What the Xbox Game Pass price hike says about the rising cost of playing games

The article discusses the rising cost of playing games, particularly the recent price hike of Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription service. It draws a comparison between the video game industry and the music, TV, and film industries, where streaming has significantly disrupted the traditional business model. The article highlights that in the music, TV, and film industries, consumers now pay for a few subscriptions to access content, rather than purchasing individual albums or films. This model, however, has not been as prevalent in the video game industry, with the exception of services like Apple Arcade and Game Pass. The article notes that free-to-play games, which generate revenue through in-game purchases and advertising, account for the majority of revenue in the games industry, particularly in markets like China. The article also mentions that other game subscription services, such as those offered by PlayStation and Nintendo, typically include older games rather than brand new releases. The article then focuses on the recent price increase for the Xbox Game Pass service, which has been seen as a relatively generous offering, providing access to a library of over 200 games, including new Xbox exclusives. The price hike, nearly 50%, is viewed as a step closer to the subscription model seen in other entertainment industries.