The company says it is now exploring alternative marketing promotions.
Microsoft has ceased offering a significant discount to first-time users of its video game subscription service, Xbox Game Pass. The previous offer of a one-month trial for $1 is no longer available and the company is now exploring alternative promotional methods.
"We have stopped our previous introductory offer for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass and are evaluating different marketing promotions for new members in the future," Kari Perez, head of global communications at Xbox confirmed in a statement to The Verge.
For years, the $1 trial has been a crucial aspect of the Xbox Game Pass service, providing an opportunity for new members to experience it for a month for a nominal fee. After the trial period, users were billed at the standard monthly subscription fee of $14.99 for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or $9.99 for either PC or console. It is currently unknown what kind of alternative promotional strategy Xbox may use for Game Pass.
One thing that could possibly replace the $1 trial could be the addition of the Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family Plan, which enables subscribers to share their subscription with up to four other players.
Microsoft piloted this new tier in Ireland and Colombia last year, and in February, expanded it to several countries such as New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Hungary, Israel, and Sweden. However, the Friends & Family Plan is yet to be launched in several European markets, the UK, and the US.
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