Console repairer encounters Xbox 360 that Microsoft banned over 'bad debt' from unpaid bills — Microsoft MVP chimes in with an elegant official solution
Source
Published
Source
Published

Xbox executives Asha Sharma and Matt Booty are focused on reviving the Xbox brand, with changes including a new logo and rebranding to "Xbox" from "Microsoft Gaming." Sharma has reduced the price of Game Pass Ultimate to $22.99 a month and is considering making Game Pass more affordable to attract a long-term player base. A potential partnership with Discord for a cross-subscription model between Discord Nitro and Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition has been leaked. Xbox is aiming for quality in Xbox Game Studios and focusing on performance, reliability, and quality in console hardware, although no decisions have been made regarding Project Helix's hardware. Industry experts predict the next-gen console could have a launch price of $1,000 for a "first-class experience."
Xbox is undergoing a revitalization effort with a back-to-basics approach, focusing on the console while enhancing cloud and services. Microsoft Gaming, which oversees Xbox, is rebranding to simply Xbox, with a new strategy to regain trust. The company aims to prioritize hardware, content, experience, and services, with a focus on expanding existing franchises and creator-centric platforms. Xbox will fortify Game Pass and improve cloud gaming while reevaluating exclusivity and AI approaches. The brand acknowledges past missteps and aims to course correct with a self-critical approach.

Discord Nitro will soon include a lighter version of Xbox Game Pass, providing access to 50 games through a special tier called the Starter Edition. This partnership between Xbox and Discord aims to offer a cooperative bundle of services. The Starter Edition, previously codenamed Triton, features popular games like Fallout 4, Elder Scrolls Online, and Hades. Discord's potential IPO and expansion into advertising, along with Xbox's plans for an ad-supported Cloud Gaming subscription tier, suggest a strategic alignment between the two platforms. The move to create a more affordable Game Pass tier may address concerns about devaluing first-party content and competition within the service.
Microsoft has surprised gamers by reducing the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $22.99 and PC Game Pass to $13.99 per month. However, the company has decided to remove day-one Call of Duty releases from the subscription service, causing disappointment for fans. This move marks a significant shift for Microsoft, which had previously raised prices multiple times, leading to speculation about the future of the Xbox brand. The price cuts come as part of efforts led by new executive Asha Sharma to revitalize the brand and offer more affordable subscription options for gamers.
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our cookie policy.