Microsoft is reportedly preparing a Family Plan for Xbox Game Pass that could launch in 2022, allowing multiple household members to share a single subscription to the service.
What the Family Plan would offer
According to the report, the Family Plan would use Microsoft’s existing Family Account system, already in use for services such as Office 365. Up to five players living in the same country would be able to share the Game Pass library under one family subscription.
Pricing and scope still unclear
Details on price have not been disclosed. Sources indicate the Family Plan is expected to cost significantly more than current single-user Game Pass tiers, but less than the combined cost of five separate individual subscriptions.
It is not yet known whether Microsoft will offer separate family plans for Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, or if the family option will be limited to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
Challenges the company had to address
Microsoft has reportedly been working on a family subscription for some time but faced internal hurdles before proceeding. Key issues included how to distribute royalties and compensate third-party publishers for users on a shared plan who might not be active players on individual accounts. The report states those concerns have been resolved, allowing Microsoft to move forward with the launch.
Market context
The reported shift comes shortly after a rival made major changes to its subscription offering. The timing suggests Microsoft may be adjusting Game Pass options in response to broader subscription-market moves by competitors.
