The Top 15 Most Disappointing Video Games of 2024

When something seems too good to be true, it’s often because it won’t last, and that was exactly the vibe surrounding Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass. The launch of the Xbox Series X/S brought with it an incredible offer: access to an extensive library of games, including brand-new Microsoft-published releases, for just $10 a month. It was a deal that felt almost too generous to be sustainable.

Fast forward a few years and prices have risen, though it coincided with the global financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2023, the cost of Game Pass for console had nudged up to $11, while the Ultimate version, which also included PC games, increased slightly to $16.99. Despite these bumps, it still felt like reasonable value for money. Even as whispers spread about price hikes being linked to Microsoft’s jaw-dropping $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the increase was technically only a little above inflation.

Then, 2024 hit everyone with a surprise. In July, news broke that Game Pass Ultimate’s price was jumping from $17 to $20, marking a steep 18 percent rise, far exceeding inflation. But the real kicker? Microsoft axed the cheaper $11 console-only tier, replacing it with something called Game Pass Standard. This new tier, lacking day-one releases and priced at $15, represented an eye-watering 50 percent price hike for a significantly reduced offering.

What this really meant for subscribers was that the price for enjoying the full Game Pass library, including those coveted day-one Microsoft game releases, soared from $11 to $20 per month. This time, the hefty $69 billion Activision Blizzard purchase seemed to play a part in the price spike.

In 2024, Game Pass shifted from an unbelievable bargain to something that left many feeling a bit bitter. With costs reaching $240 a year and no annual discounts in sight, it felt like a huge letdown. What a drag. – John Walker