Xbox’s New Game Pass Standard Tier: What’s Missing and Why It Matters
Xbox has introduced a new subscription called **Game Pass Standard**, priced at $15 per month.
Although it provides access to many online multiplayer games and an expansive game library, some highly anticipated titles are notably absent.
Keep reading to discover why games like **Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3**, **Diablo IV**, and **Starfield** are not available in this tier, and what this means for gamers.
Key Takeaways
- Game Pass Standard is a new subscription tier priced at $15/month.
- Offers multiplayer gaming and a vast downloadable game library.
- Major titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo IV are absent at launch.
- Release schedules for new games in the Standard tier remain unpredictable.
- Exclusive content and some characters are reserved for Game Pass Ultimate tier.
Introduction of Game Pass Standard
The **Game Pass Standard** tier was launched to offer a mid-tier pricing structure for gamers who want decent access to multiplayer and a large collection of games without breaking the bank.
At $15 a month, this new tier aims to strike a balance between affordability and utility.
Features and Differences
This tier allows players to enjoy online multiplayer and download a wide array of games on demand.
However, the library has notable exceptions.
Unlike the **Game Pass Ultimate** tier, priced at $20 per month, Game Pass Standard does not provide immediate access to certain new releases.
It may take up to 12 months or more for some big titles to be available.
Absent Titles
Several high-profile games are conspicuously missing from the Game Pass Standard library, including:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
- Diablo IV
- Starfield
- Flintlock
- Another Crab’s Treasure
- Still Wakes The Deep
These games are not available on their release day for Standard subscribers, sparking disappointment among many gamers.
Exclusive Titles for Ultimate Tier
Some games are only accessible to Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC subscribers on their release day.
For instance, **Call of Duty: Ops** will be exclusively available to these tiers.
This tier also offers additional perks like access to specific characters and content without extra charges.
Access to Additional Content
Games like **Valorant** which are free-to-play generally limit access to certain characters unless players pay.
In the Game Pass Ultimate tier, these characters are unlocked at no extra cost.
This further differentiates the experience between the Standard and Ultimate tiers.
First-Party Games
Even Microsoft’s own first-party games have an unpredictable release schedule for the Standard tier.
For example, **Indiana Jones and the Great Circle** may not be available to Standard subscribers until it debuts on the PS5 in the spring.
Release Schedule Uncertainty
There is no uniform strategy for when missing titles will be added to the Standard tier.
This lack of consistency leaves gamers uncertain about when they can expect to play anticipated new releases.
Lack of Official Response
To date, Microsoft has not provided a clear explanation regarding the missing titles and the unpredictable release schedule for the Standard tier.
This lack of communication has led to confusion and frustration among subscribers.
FAQs
What is Game Pass Standard?
Game Pass Standard is a new mid-tier subscription option priced at $15 per month.
It offers access to online multiplayer gaming and a vast library of downloadable games.
Why are major titles missing from Game Pass Standard?
Titles like **Call of Duty**: Modern Warfare 3, **Diablo IV**, and **Starfield** are absent at launch.
These games might take up to 12 months or more to be added to the Standard tier.
Are any exclusive games available only to the Ultimate tier?
Yes, some games like **Call of Duty: Ops** are exclusively available to Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC subscribers on their release day.
Will first-party Microsoft games be added to the Standard tier?
Microsoft’s first-party games have unpredictable release schedules for the Standard tier.
For example, **Indiana Jones and the Great Circle** might not be available until it releases on PS5.
Why is there no uniform release strategy?
Microsoft has not provided an official explanation, leading to uncertainty and frustration among subscribers.
Conclusion
While the Game Pass Standard offers an affordable alternative with various perks, its exclusion of major titles and inconsistent release schedules raise valid concerns.
Knowing these differences can help gamers make informed decisions about which subscription tier best meets their needs.
