Microsoft is officially Xbox Testing New 'Starter Edition' Game Pass Tier for Discord Nitro Subscribers, offering a potential bridge between the two massive platforms. Following recent hints from newly-installed Xbox boss Asha Sharma regarding deeper collaboration with Discord, leaks have finally provided a glimpse of what users can expect.
What is Included in the New Starter Edition?
Leaked artwork shared by DiscordPreviews and references uncovered by user Redphx suggest that Discord Nitro ($9.99) subscribers will soon be able to access a specific Xbox Starter Edition Game Pass tier. This new level of service is designed to provide value to existing Discord users without requiring a full subscription upgrade.
The leaked details indicate the following features:
- Access to over 50 games from the Game Pass library
- 10 hours per month of cloud game streaming
- Exclusive Xbox rewards
Aligning with Existing Microsoft Services
It is unlikely that the full Xbox Game Pass catalog will be available to Nitro subscribers. However, the Xbox Starter Edition Game Pass tier seems to align closely with the current scale of Xbox Game Pass Essential.
This smaller-scale library features notable titles such as Batman: Arkham Knight and Dishonored 2. It also includes popular indie favorites like Among Us, Stardew Valley, Spiritfarer, and Inside. While it is a reduced offering, it provides a significant entry point for those already paying for Discord's premium features.
A New Era for Xbox Branding and Pricing
This testing occurs alongside a period of intense rebranding for the platform. Alongside a refreshed logo, Asha Sharma and veteran Xbox executive Matt Booty recently released a major new mission statement for the company.
These changes follow recent shifts in Microsoft's subscription strategy. After deciding to remove new Call of Duty titles from the service at launch, Xbox has also adjusted its monthly pricing:
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Reduced from $29.99 per month to $22.99 per month
- PC Game Pass: Reduced from $16.49 per month to $13.99 per month
