Xbox Game Pass is often touted as the best value in gaming, but now that Microsoft has confirmed that the long-running promotion is coming to an end, this subscription service is about to get a little more expensive.

For the past few years, new subscribers to either Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass could try the Netflix-style video game service for $1 for the first month.

While this deal was strictly for new members, it was also regularly offered to Xbox accounts that had lapsed Xbox Game Pass memberships.

Rumors circulated online over the weekend that the deal no longer appeared to be available, and Microsoft later confirmed the news in a short statement (opens in new tab) released to The Verge. Kari Perez, Xbox's global head of communications, said, "The introductory promotions for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass have ended, and we are looking at other marketing promotions for new members going forward."

This marks the end of the best Xbox Game Pass promotion. And for those who want to try the service without paying the full $15/month, this is a real blow. However, if you want to sign up for Xbox's excellent subscription program without paying the full price, all hope is not lost, as the loophole for Xbox Game Pass deals is still very much open.

Microsoft still allows Xbox Live Gold paid subscriptions to be converted to an equivalent period of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This is quite significant because, for example, the annual subscription fee for Xbox Live Gold is $60, whereas the annual subscription fee for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is twice as much at $120.

Even better, the deal is stackable, allowing for three years of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $195 (three years of Xbox Live Gold plus $15 per subscription). This is a significant savings compared to the regular price of $360 for three years of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Hopefully Microsoft will not look to end this promotion as well.

It has been speculated that Microsoft may end the $1 Xbox Game Pass deal to prepare for further rollout of the Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family plan, but this has not been confirmed. The new promotion will launch in 2022 in select regions and is fairly straightforward: share an Xbox Game Pass membership with friends and family for one discounted price.

Of course, the full price of the Xbox Game Pass is almost unbeatable. The breadth of must-play titles offered continues to be impressive, with "Redfall," "Starfield," and "Forza Motorsports 8" all available from day one, making 2023 likely the biggest year yet for Game Pass.