Microsoft has updated its branding for both Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass PC by removing “Xbox” from its social channel’s logos.
As reported by Thurrott, this change has been made for both @XboxGamePass and @XboxGamePassPC, although the names of each account are still Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass For PC, respectively, and the Xbox logo is still present. Additionally, the Xbox Game Pass website still uses the full name.
While this could be a simple rebranding of the logos, it also could be a hint of things to come in regards to Microsoft’s future plans for the service.
A couple weeks ago, Microsoft stopped selling 12-month Xbox Live Gold plans, which could signal it being phased out for a potential all-encompassing “Game Pass” plan or other service.
Furthermore, Microsoft continues to add even more value to Xbox Game Pass and recently announced that it will be adding Project xCloud support in September 2020 to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at no extra cost.
This xCloud support in Xbox Game Pass could be a reason behind the rebranding, as it will allow subscribers to play their games on not just Xbox, but on PC and mobile devices as well.
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Considering Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also includes Xbox Live Gold, it could make sense to focus Microsoft’s services into one central brand.
All of these changes, including Microsoft’s decision to stop production on Xbox One X and Xbox One S Digital Edition, are all occurring just a few months before the launch of Xbox Series X in Holiday 2020.
Microsoft recently gave more details about many of the first-party games headed to Xbox Series X, including Halo Infinite, Fable, Forza Motorsport, Everwild, and more.
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Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
Source: IGN.com Microsoft Updates Xbox Game Pass Branding by Removing 'Xbox'