GameStop Continues Taking Shots at Xbox, Promises to Keep Selling Game Pass at Previous Price
What has emerged as a public relations challenge for the Xbox creator has become an excellent promotional chance for prominent sellers including GameStop, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. These companies are committing to sell monthly subscriptions for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at the rate of $19.99, in spite of Microsoft just revealing a rate increase to $29.99 per month.
The Retailer's Clever Tactics
GameStop, specifically, is capitalizing on the controversy to motivate customers to purchase tangible copies. Since the October 1 announcement, GameStop has taken multiple jabs at Microsoft and Xbox on social media.
A message recalled people that their choices included paying around 30 bucks a month to possess no games, or spending the same to have lasting ownership at GameStop. The brand also quoted news of the rate hike with the comment, "Welcome to GameStop." Maybe its most daring action is starting a promotion where it assures it will maintain selling Ultimate at the cheaper price point.
"Xbox Game Pass is remaining at $19.99 with us," the post reads. "You're welcome. Available in-store and online."
Important Details
Unfortunately, obtaining twelve months would mean buying twelve of these cards, or multiple 3-month cards, which are likewise available for the lower price point 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 aren't ready to cancel just yet or users who aren't prepared to handle increased advertising.
Business Tactics Examination
It's a great marketing strategy for GameStop, as a smart commercial decision gets posed as benevolence. Drawing logical conclusions, but if all major retailers are following similar practices, it's possibly due to 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 uncertain when the cheaper stock might be available.
Microsoft's Response
Meanwhile, Xbox faces crisis control. “We understand rate hikes are never fun for anybody, but we're trying to reinforce by adding more value to these plans as well,” a Microsoft representative stated. “It's something we don't take lightly, and we're hearing community input of players and the community to try to provide them with additional requested features.”