Microsoft wants to attract more PC gamers to its Netflix-like Xbox Game Pass subscriptions — and it’s using networks of subscribers’ friends to stream the network. Starting May 2, the new program allows existing PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to share 14-day trials with up to five friends.
Previously, the cheapest way to try PC Game Pass was with a $1 trial, which provides a full month of time to explore over 400 PC games. Unfortunately, that offer died a quiet but sad death in late March 2023. Since then, players wanting to try out the service have either had to pony up an entire month, or look for a promotional card that offers a short trial.
PC Game Pass’ library includes titles from Microsoft, Bethesda, EA, and third-party studios. Subscriptions also provide additional in-game benefits when you link your Microsoft account to other services (such as a Riot Games account). Like Netflix, new games are constantly being added to the catalog, and others are leaving periodically as well.
Associated with the launch of a co-op vampire shooter RedfallThis current promotion appears to be aimed at getting more PC subscribers to Xbox Game Pass. In an interview with The Verge last fall, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer noted that while console subscriber growth has begun to slow, PC growth continues to climb. Figures released by Microsoft in October 2022 showed a 159 percent increase in PC Game Pass subscriptions.
Existing subscribers can find refer-a-friend invites on the Game Pass home screen (for both console and the Xbox app on PC), as well as on Xbox.com. If you’re on the receiving end of a code, and find that you love PC Game Pass, you can use this handy trick to subscribe for half the cost. Just let the trial version run out first, and then follow the instructions of this guide. You can lock in this cheaper rate for up to three years.