GameStop Keeps Taking Shots at Xbox, Promises to Keep Selling Game Pass at Old Price

What has become a brand nightmare for Microsoft has turned into an excellent promotional chance for leading stores such as GameStop, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. These businesses are committing to sell monthly subscriptions for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at the price of $19.99, in spite of Microsoft having declared a price hike to $29.99 per month.

GameStop's Strategic Moves

GameStop, especially, is taking advantage of the controversy to persuade users to purchase disc-based titles. After the October 1 announcement, GameStop has issued repeated taunts at Microsoft and Xbox on social media.

One post reminded people that their choices included paying close to thirty dollars a month to own nothing, or spending the same to have lasting ownership at GameStop. The company likewise cited news of the price increase with the quip, "Welcome to GameStop." Maybe its most daring action is initiating an offer where it promises to continue selling Ultimate at the lower cost.

"Xbox Game Pass is remaining at $19.99 with us," the message declares. "You're welcome. Available in-store and online."

Practical Considerations

Unfortunately, obtaining twelve months would mean purchasing a dozen of these cards, or various three-month subscriptions, which are similarly offered for the lower price point right now. But doing so would remain more affordable than paying $360 annually, so it may be worth it for any Xbox fans who don't want to pull the plug just yet or users who aren't prepared to handle increased advertising.

Marketing Strategy Analysis

It's a brilliant marketing strategy for GameStop, as a wise corporate action gets posed as benevolence. Based on reasonable assumptions, but if every large store are doing the same thing, it's likely because they have to dispose of the current supply that comes displaying the "$19.99" number. This seems like a while supplies last type of situation, and it's unknown for what duration the discounted supply might be available.

Xbox's Position

Meanwhile, Xbox finds itself in crisis control. “We understand cost adjustments are never fun for anybody, but we're attempting to strengthen by adding more value to these plans as well,” a company director stated. “It's something we approach carefully, and we're listening to the feedback of players and the community to try to provide them with increased desired content.”