Convincing people to switch from Gold to Game Pass is a hard one due to the difference in price. Also, not everyone is interested in digital game subscriptions. Especially, those who only game once in a blue moon. However, Microsoft is getting smarter by taking notes from companies like Netflix.
In that, the company has been testing out the idea of a “Friends and Family” tier that allows users to share access with up to four other users. Eliminating the need of having to have multiple accounts for everyone (which can get expensive fast).
You may be thinking “why would this be any better since you can already share Game Pass with other users on the same Xbox?” and it would be a fair point. At least, until you consider that not all families share the same singular Xbox console. Not only that, but some don’t even live together in the same house. This allows everyone to access Game Pass no matter the console or location. As long as you don’t go past four additional users.
It’s still more expensive than a regular Game Pass Ultimate account (around $22/month), but divided out, it makes perfect sense. Especially, since it isn’t just limited to family. This would make it around the same price as having all five users on Xbox Live Gold when renewing with the $60 extensions. It’s even a few dollar less than that (each user). So, in the end, it works out to be a pretty good deal. Assuming you have a total of five people looking to get online with these games, at least.
You won’t be able to jump into one of these accounts just yet though. Unless you live in either Ireland or Columbia. This is where the new tier is being tested out to see how gamers respond to it. However, it is a lot like the family plans you find with companies like T-Mobile. So there is a pretty good chance this will take off and you’ll see this land in the US as well.
Update: All users have to be in the same country to qualify for the tier (which is reasonable).
