Xbox Game Pass Price Hike: A Stealthy Heist on South African Gamers
In a move that’s left many gamers reeling, Microsoft has quietly announced a massive price hike for Xbox Game Pass, including the popular Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, in South Africa and other markets around the world. The price increase is so drastic that it’s as if Microsoft is trying to rip off South African gamers.
The Price of Betrayal
In South Africa, the price of Game Pass Ultimate will skyrocket by 54.2% from September, from R129 to R199/month. That’s like paying an extra R70 every month, just for the privilege of playing the same games. And if you’re still reeling from the shock of that price hike, just wait until you see the price of Game Pass Core, which will rise from R479/year to R799/year – a whopping 66.8% increase.
A Global Scam?
While the price hike is not unique to South Africa, the severity of the increase is particularly egregious. In the US, for example, the price of Game Pass Ultimate will rise by a mere 17.7%, from US$16.99 to $19.99/month. Meanwhile, South Africans are getting shafted with a price hike that’s almost triple that of their American counterparts.
The PC Game Pass Rip-Off
And if you thought that was bad, wait until you see the prices for PC Game Pass. New members will pay R119/month, up from R79 previously. That’s like paying an extra R40 every month, just for the privilege of playing on a PC. And if you’re still paying the old price, don’t worry – Microsoft will make sure to charge you the new price as soon as your subscription renews.
Call of Duty: The Final Nail in the Coffin
As if all this wasn’t enough, the price hike comes just ahead of the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and other big first-party Xbox games on Game Pass. It’s like Microsoft is trying to make sure that South African gamers are the only ones who can’t afford to play the latest games.
The Verdict
In conclusion, the price hike for Xbox Game Pass in South Africa is a blatant attempt to take advantage of gamers who are already struggling to make ends meet. It’s a slap in the face to loyal customers who have been faithful to the Xbox brand. And with the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 just around the corner, it’s clear that Microsoft is trying to maximize profits at the expense of its loyal fan base.
