Microsoft is increasing the price of Game Pass and the Xbox Series X

Microsoft has announced that the prices of both its flagship console and its game subscription service will be raised in several countries around the world.

The details:

• According to The Verge, the gaming giant confirmed in a statement that the price of Game Pass and the Series X will rise in most of the world in August, except the US, Japan, Chile, Brazil, and Colombia. "We've held on to our prices for consoles for many years and have adjusted the prices to reflect the competitive conditions in each market," said Kari Perez, Xbox's head of communications.
• The Series X price increase follows Sony's PlayStation 5 price increase announced last year, with the console set to retail for €549.99 in most European countries, £479.99 in the UK, $799.99 AUD in Australia, and $649.99 CAD in Canada. The price of the less expensive Series S will not change in any market, remaining at $299.99 USD.
• Beginning July 6, the price of Game Pass and its Ultimate tier will also rise. The standard Game Pass tier will cost $1 more per month, rising from $9.99 to $10.99, while Game Pass Ultimate will rise by $2, from $14.99 to $16.99. PC Game Pass will remain at its current price of $9.99, while Norway, Chile, Denmark, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia will be exempt from all Game Pass changes.
• Those who have a monthly recurring subscription to Game Pass will see the new pricing take effect on August 13 (September 13 in Germany); however, those who have a yearly or pre-paid subscription will not be affected until they need to renew their subscription, which means that some have begun topping up on three years of Game Pass by upgrading a pre-paid Xbox Live Gold membership.

More Microsoft/Xbox news:

• According to Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty, a game must have at least 10 million players to be considered "successful" for the platform. He also stated that Microsoft's hesitation to enter the VR space is due to the company waiting "until there's an audience there."
• Xbox has revealed that it intends to release four first-party titles per year, with 2024 being the year when production "really kicks into gear." So far, we know that Avowed and Hellblade 2 will be released next year, with more details to follow.