Digital Foundry Direct Weekly DF Direct Weekly #234: Huge Game Pass Price Hike Causes Outrage, New PS5 Teardown
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Oct 6, 2025 The discussion kicks off with the controversy surrounding Microsoft's significant Game Pass price hikes. Is it a move to sustain the service, or a blatant cash grab? The team also digs into a new PS5 teardown, revealing intriguing design tweaks and storage downsizing. Meanwhile, Rich highlights native Steam Deck ports, showcasing improvements in Baldur's Gate 3, while Cronos experiences some unexpected performance issues. Lastly, John's journey from Japan uncovers the excitement of the Tokyo Game Show and its indie highlights.
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Game Pass's Unsustainable Early Value
- John argues Game Pass's original pricing was unsustainably generous and may have devalued games.
- He says the recent price hikes reflect that the model couldn't scale without much larger install base.
Day-One Perks Moved Behind Premium Tier
- Rich highlights the core shift: day-one first-party titles are no longer guaranteed outside the top-tier.
- He notes extras like Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft Classics won't justify a big price jump for most users.
Price Shock Risks Subscriber Exodus
- Oliver calls the 2025 Ultimate hike from ~$17 to $30 USD 'colossal' and likely to push subscribers away.
- He predicts Microsoft will prioritize profitability over aggressive market growth going forward.