Microsoft is bringing theXbox Game PassFriends and Family plan to six more countries. This development marks the first expansion of the service since theFriends and Family subscription tier was launchedin September 2022.
Much like its name suggests, the Friends and Family plan caters to those looking for an affordable way of sharing the ever-growing Xbox Game Pass library with their loved ones. It allows up to five people to enjoy all theXbox Game Pass Ultimate perksat a significant discount compared to purchasing individual subscriptions, with the only caveat being its geographical availability, which was initially limited to Colombia and Ireland.
RELATED:Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Confirms 4 More Games Coming Soon
Five months later, theXbox Game PassFriends and Family plan has now expanded to Chile, Hungary, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sweden. Going by the prices quoted in the newly supported European markets, the €21.99 (~$24) plan is already marginally more affordable than paying for two Game Pass Ultimate accounts at €12.99 (~$14) each. On the other hand, a group taking full advantage of Microsoft’s offering can reap all the benefits of five Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions at one-third of the combined cost of individual licenses. This pricing is consistent with the one that was previously attached to the Friends and Family plan in Ireland.
Therefore, while the potential impact of this offering remains limited by its current geographical availability, theGame Pass Friends and Family plan could still be a game changerfor the Xbox ecosystem in the long term. The only thing that remains to be seen is how Microsoft intends to reconcile the tier’s impressive value proposition with the ever-present investor pressure to optimize profits. While the company is flush with cash and Xbox chief Phil Spencer recently even revealed that Game Pass is profitable as is, it’s possible its margins are neither massive nor likely to improve should the Friends and Family plan develop into a major driver of its future growth.
