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Xbox Game Pass for PC Is Now 'PC Game Pass'

Microsoft clears up the name confusion, but you still need the Xbox app to play PC games.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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Microsoft has decided to make Xbox Game Pass for PC less confusing with a simple name change to PC Game Pass.

Until now, we had Xbox Game Pass, which was Microsoft's gaming subscription for Xbox consoles. However, Game Pass also launched for PC back in June 2019, and Microsoft decided to name it Xbox Game Pass for PC.

When the service was establishing itself, keeping the name the same across both platforms made sense from a branding perspective, but Xbox Game Pass is well-known now, and Microsoft clearly feels comfortable removing that awkward 'Xbox' from a service meant for PC gamers. The end result: Xbox Game Pass for PC is now simply called PC Game Pass. However, PC Game Pass subscribers will still be required to use the Xbox app to play games on the service.

The logo and name change was confirmed today by Microsoft's @XboxGamePassPC Twitter account. The branding change has already taken effect at Xbox.com where you can sign-up for PC Game Pass and get your first three months for $1, after which, the subscription reverts to $9.99 a month.

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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