Microsoft Xbox Game Pass Expanded to Offer Exclusive Games on Launch Day

In a way to attract more gamers, Microsoft has announced that all the exclusive games published by Microsoft Studios will be released into Xbox Game Pass on the same date as their global release. Sea of Thieves, which is launching on March 20, will be the first title to receive the new treatment, while the Redmond company has plans to bring its renowned franchises such as Halo, Forza, and Gears of War to Xbox Game Pass subscribers right on the same day of their launch. Xbox Game Pass was released back in June last year as Microsoft's paid service to offer over a 100-title bouquet at an as low monthly charge as Rs. 699.

Microsoft has confirmed that alongside the upcoming Sea of Thieves, State of Decay 2 and Crackdown 3 will be the first few titles that will debut for Xbox Game Pass in line with their official launch schedules. Certainly, all this is likely to get even bigger with the arrival of titles from franchises including Halo and Gears of War. "We've only scratched the surface of the opportunity this new model brings to the industry and what we can deliver to our fans. We firmly believe Xbox Game Pass will be a catalyst to create new opportunities for game developers and publishers to innovate in the way games are developed and delivered, leading to entirely new ways to play," said Phil Spencer, Executive Vice President of Gaming, Microsoft, in a statement.

Apart from expanding the library, Microsoft has launched a six-month Xbox Game Pass subscription card that will be available in the US through select retail partners at $59.99. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed Gadgets 360 that the six-month Xbox Game Pass subscription card will be available in India at Rs. 4,194. The company will continue to sell the one-month subscription at Rs. 699, and a 14-day free trial will be available for all, the spokesperson added.

Also known as "Netflix for Xbox", Xbox Game Pass is presently limited to Xbox One consoles. It originally included access to over 100 Xbox One and Xbox 360 titles.

On Tuesday, Microsoft launched the Xbox One X in India with a price tag of Rs. 44,990. The new game console is taking on the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro and offers a 4K gaming experience. It is available for purchase through Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Landmark, and Microsoft India stores, in addition to over 100 speciality gaming stores in the country.