Microsoft says Game Pass isn’t dropping ‘Xbox’, despite logo change

Microsoft has said it’s not dropping ‘Xbox’ from the name of its Game Pass service, despite a recent change to the subscription platform’s logo.

Last week the platform holder changed many of its social media profile pics for Game Pass, replacing them with a new logo featuring the Xbox icon and ‘Game Pass’, with the word ‘Xbox’ removed. Microsoft also removed the word ‘Xbox’ from its Game Pass community updates.

The change led to speculation from VGC and others that Microsoft could be moving to separate the subscription service more clearly from its console hardware (Game Pass is also available on PC).

However, a Microsoft spokesperson told VGC on Tuesday that despite the logo change, the service would continue to be called ‘Xbox Game Pass’.

“Xbox recently revealed a redesigned logo for Xbox Game Pass. While the logo is new, there have been no changes to the name of the service, it remains Xbox Game Pass,” the spokesperson said.

Microsoft also addressed the logo change in a Twitter post on Monday.

Microsoft is reportedly preparing to make changes to its various digital subscription services in anticipation for the launch of Xbox Series X in Holiday 2020.

Earlier this month Microsoft stopped selling 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscriptions, fuelling speculation that the long-running service could be repackaged or phased out to coincide with the next-gen console.

This was further strengthened by confirmation last week that Series X launch game Halo Infinite will have a free-to-play multiplayer mode. Currently, Xbox Live Gold is required to play multiplayer games like Fortnite and Call of Duty Warzone online, which are free on other platforms.

While the platform holder is no longer offering an annual Xbox Live Gold membership option, one and three-month subscriptions are still available.

“At this time Xbox has decided to remove the 12 month Xbox Live Gold SKU from the Microsoft online Store,” a company spokesperson said in July. “Customers can still sign up for a 1 month or 3 month Xbox Live Gold subscription online through the Microsoft Store.”

Further reading

August’s Xbox Live Games with Gold titles have been revealed

Portal Knights, Override: Mech City Brawl, MX Unleashed and Red Faction II