Xbox Game Pass Adds Starfield to Base Tier as Microsoft Shakes Up Subscription Model

In a landmark move that could redefine expectations for gaming subscriptions, Microsoft is shaking up its Xbox Game Pass model by making Bethesda’s sci-fi epic *Starfield* available on the service’s base tier. The game, which launched in late 2023 and was previously reserved for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers or direct purchase, is now accessible to more players than ever before.

This decision marks a dramatic shift in Microsoft’s content strategy—and a potential response to recent murmurs that Game Pass growth may be slowing. By adding a flagship title like *Starfield* to the entry-level plan, Microsoft is doubling down on its commitment to making high-quality, first-party games more accessible to a broader audience. It’s a bold move that underscores the company’s evolving philosophy: if you want players to engage long term, lower the barriers to entry.

“We’re always looking at how to bring more value to our players,” said Kareem Choudhry, head of Xbox Cloud Gaming. “Bringing *Starfield* to the base tier of Game Pass reflects our belief that everyone should have access to epic gaming experiences, regardless of which plan they’re on.”

The inclusion of *Starfield* could serve as a shot in the arm for Game Pass subscriptions—especially among more casual gamers who may have balked at the higher-priced Ultimate tier. It also potentially aligns with Microsoft’s broader ecosystem goals: getting players hooked on its services first, and monetizing through microtransactions, DLC expansions, and future subscriptions.

Industry analysts are watching the move closely. Some speculate that this could set a precedent for more high-profile first-party titles landing on the standard tier sooner—or even at launch. Others caution that while it may grow user numbers in the short term, sustaining the quality and frequency of AAA releases across all tiers could strain Microsoft’s bottom line if not carefully managed.

Either way, this change is poised to make waves across the industry—and provides an enticing incentive for those still on the fence about joining Game Pass. With *Starfield* barreling into the base tier, Microsoft just restarted the engine on its subscription platform.