GameStop Keeps Taking Shots at Xbox, Assures to Continue Offering Game Pass at Old Price
What has turned into a brand nightmare for the Xbox creator has become an excellent promotional chance for prominent sellers like GameStop, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. These companies are pledging to sell monthly subscriptions for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at the price of $19.99, even after Microsoft recently announcing a rate increase to $29.99 per month.
GameStop's Strategic Moves
GameStop, especially, is taking advantage of the furor to encourage people to purchase disc-based titles. Following the October 1 announcement, GameStop has taken multiple jabs at Microsoft and Xbox through digital channels.
A message recalled people that their choices included paying nearly $30 a month to own nothing, or investing equally to keep a title permanently at GameStop. The company likewise cited news of the rate hike with the quip, "Welcome to GameStop." Arguably its bravest step is starting a promotion where it assures it will maintain selling Ultimate at the lower cost.
"Xbox Game Pass is still $19.99 with us," the announcement states. "You're welcome. Accessible at physical locations and online."
Key Factors
Unfortunately, getting a full year would mean purchasing a dozen of these cards, or multiple 3-month cards, which are similarly offered for the discounted rate right now. But doing so would continue to cost less than paying $360 annually, so it may be worth it for any Xbox fans who wish to continue their subscription just yet or subscribers who hesitate to handle increased advertising.
Business Tactics Examination
It's a great marketing strategy for GameStop, as a smart commercial decision gets framed as kindness. Drawing logical conclusions, but if every large store are doing the same thing, it's likely because they have to clear out the existing inventory that comes printed with the "$19.99" number. This seems like a while supplies last type of situation, and it's unclear how long the discounted supply might be available.
Xbox's Position
Meanwhile, Xbox faces crisis control. “We understand rate hikes are typically unwelcome for anybody, but we're trying to reinforce by adding more value to these plans as well,” an Xbox spokesperson stated. “It's something we consider seriously, and we're hearing community input of players and the community to work to offer them with increased desired content.”
