Microsoft is considering a significant expansion for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The company may bundle multiple premium services into its $30 plan, potentially bundling World of Warcraft and Minecraft Realms subscriptions under one roof.
The conversation began with The Verge’s Tom Warren, who recently noted that Microsoft is early in exploring ways to expand its Game Pass offering. Jez Corden later fleshed this out. He claims to have heard that Microsoft is specifically thinking about integrating these additional subscriptions into Ultimate. Nothing is confirmed. But when it happens, the recent price increase suddenly makes more sense.
What additional services might appear?
Names were dropped. Monthly fee for World of Warcraft. Fallout 1st for private Fallout 76 servers and additional stash space. Minecraft Realms for permanent friend worlds. Whatever the premium tier of The Elder Scrolls is called. At the moment you pay for this separately in addition to the Game Pass.
When you bundle them together, these individual fees are eliminated for Ultimate subscribers. The bill changes quickly if you’re already paying for one or two. Corden made this clear in his video. At $30 and with all of these extras, the top tier is a no-brainer for anyone deeply into these games.
Why Microsoft is putting pressure on us now
The $30 price tag landed recently and not everyone was thrilled with it. Some subscribers wondered whether Ultimate offered enough compared to the Standard tier. Adding actual paid services answers this question directly.
It also fits with what Microsoft has developed. The company now owns Activision Blizzard and Bethesda. World of Warcraft subscriptions, ESO Plus memberships and Fallout 1st fees already feed the same beast. By integrating it into Game Pass, decisions are no longer necessary. You are no longer wondering whether to restart your WoW sub. It’s just there, part of the membership you already have.
The games themselves already warrant a look. The Outer Worlds 2 landed on day one. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has arrived. Also south of midnight.
What happens next?
This is still a rumor. Corden emphasized that he had heard that Microsoft was exploring the idea, with no guarantee of delivery. These things take time, if they happen at all.
But the form of it haunts. Microsoft has spent years and billions collecting subscriptions. The natural end game is to combine them into one super tier. Pay attention to your payment method. If you’re already paying for any of these extras, Ultimate may soon eliminate some recurring fees for you.
