Thanks to a collaboration between Discord and Microsoft, the Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition has launched.
After the edition was leaked three weeks ago, both Discord and Xbox confirmed that the new tier would be included in the Discord Nitro package. The edition includes more than 50 games that players can start playing right away, as well as 10 hours of cloud-based gaming. However, it does not offer online multiplayer for console players. Nitro subscribers at the $10 tier will gain access to the Starter Edition at no extra cost.
It’s unclear whether the Starter Edition will be available exclusively through the Discord partnership or if Xbox will offer it among the new, lower-priced Game Pass tiers. Asha Sharma, Xbox’s general manager, is exploring this possibility. One thing is certain: this new edition brings new features to Xbox Game Pass. It’s the first official package to impose a time limit on cloud gaming. There have been rumors of an ad-supported, free cloud gaming experience with a time limit, but this hasn’t been officially announced yet. This is also the first package that doesn’t include online multiplayer for console users.
A Game Pass subscription isn’t required to play free games online. However, if someone purchased Arc Raiders on Xbox Series and wants to reduce subscription costs while keeping their Discord Nitro subscription but canceling Xbox Game Pass, they cannot do so unless they switch to playing Xbox games exclusively through the PC app. PC players will still have access to online multiplayer in the Game Pass Starter Edition.
Game Pass subscribers will also receive benefits on Discord. Eligible users will receive 250 Orbs per month, 1.2 times more Orbs for completing missions, and discounts in the Shop. The exact timing of these benefits and the criteria for subscriber eligibility are not yet clear.
Source: WCCFTech, Discord, Microsoft
