when Xbox Game Pass First launched in 2017, the service was unlike anything the gaming industry had seen before, at least on the scale Microsoft promised. For years, Xbox Game Pass was able to operate without any significant competition, and was widely regarded as the “best deal” by those who wanted to try a wider range of video game experiences and get first-party releases for free on launch day. It was known as “in the game”. Additional cost
But Xbox Game Pass didn't stay alone forever. In June 2022, PlayStation Plus released a new three-tier system that closely followed Xbox Game Pass, with PS Plus Extra offering a library of first- and third-party titles, and PS Plus Premium finally offering the backend. did – The harmony that fans have been dreaming of. For almost three years now, Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus have been waging a silent war against each other, competing month after month to prove their worth. That trend continues today, as in just a few weeks, PS Plus dropped one of its worst Essential lineups, replaced it with one of its best Extra and Premium lineups, and left Xbox Game Pass to retaliate.
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January 23rd is going to be a big day for Xbox Game Pass
Xbox has confirmed that its Developer Direct showcase will return later this month, and that could mean big things for Xbox Game Pass.
PS Plus' January change should encourage Xbox's Game Pass to bring out The Big Guns.
PlayStation Plus had a bad start to the year
While it may be the most expensive tier of PlayStation Plus, PS Plus Essential still costs $80 for a 12-month subscription, and fans rightly expect to get a lot of bang for their buck. PS Plus Essential gives players three free games per month along with online play. PS Plus Essential has had some great offers over the past few months, November 2024 subscribers Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, Ghostwire: Tokyoand Death Note: The Killer Withinand December gives them It takes two, I regretand Aliens: Dark Descent.
But unfortunately, PS Plus Essential has lost its hot streak in spectacular fashion Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League The headliner is his January 2025 lineup. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League It's been a notorious failure for developer Rocksteady, and its place on PS Plus Essential seems too late, as the game just received its final update.
While Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered and particle for direct object Stanley Allegory: Super Luxury Good games, they just don't do enough to alleviate the frustration Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League January's headline is PS Plus Essential.
The additional and premium lines of the PlayStation Plus have changed everything
But PlayStation Plus has quickly turned things around, at least for subscribers to the more expensive Extra and Premium tiers. God of War Ragnarok PS Plus Extra headlines in January 2025, and it's a pretty big deal. It's surprisingly rare to see first-person PlayStation games come to PS Plus, and this comes with God of War RagnarokIts reputation makes it an incredible addition to the subscription service. God of War Ragnarok Also great games like Sayonara Wild Hearts and Like Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Cleared His Namealong with top class classic choices like Medieval 2.
The ball is now in Xbox Game Pass' court
Xbox Game Pass has been off to a relatively slow start until 2025, offering only three new releases so far. But there are some promising games on the horizon. Sniper Elite: Resistance, Eternal stringsand Citizen Sleeper 2: Vector Starward All Day One titles are set to arrive on Game Pass this month. But even they may strive to shine more God of War Ragnarok.
Xbox Game Pass should be showing off the big guns for February while it's Obsidian admitted Highly anticipated, it's going to need some more anticipation in what has been an incredibly busy month for the video game industry.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft's flagship game subscription service, offering over 100 games that you can play with a single purchase, making it one of the most outstanding value propositions in the Xbox ecosystem to date. has become