Xbox adds Netflix-style rental service

MICROSOFT on Wednesday launched a subscription service for Xbox, letting players pay a monthly fee for access to a library of videogames for its console.

People who already subscribe to an Xbox Gold service can pay an extra $10 monthly for the new “Game Pass”, which will be available at the same cost to console users with Live accounts in any of 31 markets around the world at the start of June, according to product marketing director Parimal Deshpande.

Microsoft revealed plans for the Game Pass earlier this year and tested it with users who were part of an “insider” programme.

The subscription service, using the Netflix model of monthly subscriptions for instant online access, will offer some 100 games that can be played on Xbox One or prior-generation Xbox 360 consoles, according to Deshpande.

Players subscribing to the service will be able to download games to consoles for optimal performance and be offered discounts to buy them for keeps.

Markets where Xbox Game Pass is launching included Australia, Britain, France, Hong Kong, India and North America.