Microsoft is reportedly planning to introduce an Xbox Game Pass family plan this year. Windows Central reports that Microsoft has been considering a family plan for Xbox Game Pass for some time, and that the company is now in a position to announce one in the “near future.”
The family subscription option will reportedly provide access to Xbox Game Pass for five players and will be cheaper than the cost for individual accounts. Microsoft will reportedly integrate its Family Account system, which the company also uses for its Microsoft 365 Family subscriptions.
It’s not clear whether there will be separate family plans for Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and the Ultimate version of Microsoft’s game subscription service. Microsoft has reportedly had to work on details on how royalties will be distributed and on fees for third-party publishers who are currently licensing their content for major Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.
Microsoft currently offers Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass for $9.99 per month. Neither includes online multiplayer capabilities, but you can upgrade to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $14.99, and this unlocks Game Pass for console, PC, EA Play access, and online multiplayer.
The news of a possible family subscription to Xbox Game Pass comes just days after Sony announced its updated PlayStation Plus subscriptions. Sony’s answer to Xbox Game Pass also includes multiple tiers, starting at $9.99 per month.