Microsoft introduced the PC Game Pass Referral Program

The Xbox Game Pass (XGP) is a membership-based gaming subscription service launched by Microsoft’s Xbox division, making its debut in February 2017. Since its inception, Microsoft has continually expanded the game library, adding a PC Game Pass option for PC users in 2019. At the beginning of this year, the number of Xbox Game Pass subscribers was approximately 25 million; however, Microsoft remained unsatisfied. To entice more players to experience the Xbox Game Pass service, Microsoft recently introduced the PC Game Pass Referral Program.

Only Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can send invitations to friends, with a single account offering five friends a 14-day free trial of the PC Game Pass. Although a free trial, it grants access to the entirety of the PC Game Pass content. The referral quota for member accounts resets on January 1st each year, allowing for additional friends to be invited. Argentina, Russia, and Turkey are not eligible for this program. It should be noted that the invited friends must be new members, and the invitation expires after 30 days.

The Xbox Game Pass is currently available in three versions: ULTIMATE, PC, and CONSOLE. The ULTIMATE edition permits gaming on both consoles and PCs and includes Gold Membership benefits, enabling online play. The PC version allows gaming solely on PCs, offering member discounts and promotions, as well as EA Play membership. The CONSOLE edition exclusively supports console platforms, with select blockbuster games joining the library immediately upon release.

At present, the PC Game Pass library boasts over 400 games, featuring numerous first-party and third-party AAA titles, as well as several exquisite indie games. The purpose of Microsoft’s introduction of the PC Game Pass Referral Program is clear, although the impact of this approach on increasing the number of paying subscribers remains uncertain.