In the ever-evolving landscape of digital gaming, “subscription fatigue” has transitioned from a buzzword to a financial reality. For years, services like Xbox Game Pass and Playstation Plus were hailed as the “best deal in gaming,” offering a massive library for the price of a few coffees. However, recent shifts in pricing strategy have forced gamers to reach for their calculators, asking a difficult question: Is it actually cheaper to just buy the game?
The Rising Cost of “Unlimited”
Microsoft’s recent overhaul of its subscription tiers has served as a wake-up call for many. As of late 2025, the flagship Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier has climbed to a staggering £22.99 per month in the UK. While the service justifies this with the inclusion of perks like Ubisoft+ Classics, and Day-One access to massive titles, the annual cost now sits at roughly £275.
To put that into perspective, consider the current market for new AAA releases. Major 2025 titles like Battlefield 6 or Monster Hunter Wilds typically retail between £60 and £90.
The “Break-Even” Point
Gaming is a time-intensive hobby. Unlike a 2-hour movie on Netflix, a modern epic often requires 40 to 100+ hours to complete. For a casual gamer who plays a few hours a week, finishing a single major title can easily take three to four months.
| Purchase Method | Total Cost (3 Months) | Ownership |
| Game Pass Ultimate | £68.97 | Revoked if you stop paying |
| Buying a New Game | £64.99 (Avg) | Yours forever (Digital/Physical) |
As shown above, if it takes you just three months to finish a game, you have already spent more on the subscription than the game is worth. If you spend six months dipping in and out of a massive RPG like The Outer Worlds 2 or Starfield, you have effectively paid for the game twice over—yet you still don’t own it.
The Loss of Permanent Value
The core issue is that a subscription is a “rental” that never ends. When you buy a game outright, especially a physical copy, it retains value. You can play it five years from now without an active subscription, or you can trade it in to subsidize your next purchase. With a Game Pass, that £22.99 is a sunk cost every single month; the moment you stop paying, your entire library vanishes.
The Value of Sales
Sales are a great time to get a title you always wanted. Is it worth getting the game on sale instead of paying the subscription? A great example is that Microsoft Xbox is pushing the Ultimate subscription to play Plants vs Zombies GW2. It is currently on sale for £3.74 from EA. Why pay £22.99 to rent a game when you can just pay £3.74 to have it permanently?
The “Demo” Defense
Despite the diminishing financial returns, Game Passes do retain one undeniable advantage: The Discovery Factor. It is incredibly easy to “test drive” a dozen new indie games or experimental titles to see if they click before committing to a purchase. In an era where £70 is a high-risk investment for a game you might dislike, the pass acts as the world’s largest demo disc.
Summary
While the “buffet” model works for those who play several different games every week, the recent price hikes have made it a luxury rather than a bargain. For the intentional gamer who focuses on one or two big titles at a time, the math is clear. Buying the game is no longer just about ownership. It’s the smarter financial move.