A new FAQ, alongside social media, has answered a bunch of questions surrounding Microsoft’s new Xbox Game Pass subscription service.
First, the scheme won’t be worldwide at launch. Instead, Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox Game Pass will be available in “at least 27 Xbox markets… quickly growing to as many new markets as catalog availability permits.” Australia has been confirmed as a launch market; a subscription will cost $10.95 AUD per month.
Unlike Sony’s PlayStation Now service — not available in Australia — games in the subscription service will not be able to be streamed; instead, they must be fully downloaded to play.
“Based on fan feedback, streaming/connectivity issues were identified as a major pain point for competing game subscription services,” the FAQ reads. “That’s why games on Xbox Game Pass will be downloaded to your Xbox One, providing fans with a native, full-fidelity gaming experience and the ability to play downloaded games offline for up to 30 days.”
Like EA Access, the games on offer — already confirmed at over 100 — will change. The FAQ says some titles will be added, and some removed each month.
Xbox’s Aaron Greenberg has also taken to social media to answer questions about the scheme, saying that gift subscriptions and yearly subscription options will not be available at launch.
Not currently but like the idea, will share with team. :-)
— Aaron “Day One On Game Pass” Greenberg 🙅🏼♂️💚U (@aarongreenberg) February 28, 2017
Monthly only is current plan.
— Aaron “Day One On Game Pass” Greenberg 🙅🏼♂️💚U (@aarongreenberg) February 28, 2017
Finally, Microsoft has clarified with Kotaku that the subscription service will not impact the monthly Xbox Games with Gold promotion in any way.
“Games with Gold and Xbox Game Pass are two different service offerings with unique benefits,” a Microsoft representative stated. “Games with Gold is an added benefit specific to Xbox Live Gold members that rewards players with two to four free games each month to enjoy. Xbox Game Pass is a subscription-based service that gives you unlimited access to over 100 Xbox One and Xbox 360 backward compatible games for Xbox One.”
We’ll have more on Xbox Game Pass as it becomes available.
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