Microsoft has once again discontinued its $1 trial for the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a decision that comes shortly before the release of the highly anticipated game, Starfield. This move – reported by Wario64 on Twitter/X – has raised eyebrows in the gaming community, as many had hoped to utilize the trial to access the new game.
The $1 trial for the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate was initially retired in March, as Microsoft explored “different marketing promotions for new members in the future.” The trial was later reinstated, only to be reduced from a 30-day period to 14 days. Now, the trial has been removed entirely, just days before Starfield's release, a game that is being touted as one of the service's most significant launches in recent times.
The timing of the trial's removal is speculated to be linked to the launch of Starfield, which is considered one of Microsoft's most awaited first-party games in recent years. The game's release on the Xbox Game Pass is set for September 5.
Microsoft has been actively adjusting its subscription products over the past few months. After discontinuing the Xbox Live Gold, the company introduced a new Game Pass Core subscription. The $1 trial has seen multiple changes, from being completely removed in March to being reintroduced for 30 days in July. By August, the trial duration was halved to 14 days.
Current Subscription Rates
Despite the removal of the $1 trial, gamers can still access Starfield at a lower price through the Xbox Game Pass. The PC Game Pass is priced at $9.99, while the Xbox Series S and X console owners can avail it for $16.99 for one month. This is considerably cheaper than the upfront cost of $69.99 for the game.
Given the recent changes and the upcoming release of Starfield, it remains uncertain when or if Microsoft will reintroduce the $1 trial or any similar promotions in the near future.
