Xbox Discord crossover: Game Pass gets Nitro, and vice-versa, in new subscription partnership

More details about the Xbox Discord crossover have surfaced, revealing a unique cross-subscription partnership where enthusiast gamers can benefit the most.

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Microsoft and Discord have criss-crossed their respective gaming services. Discord Nitro subscribers now get access to the Xbox Game Pass starter edition, which includes access to 50+ PC and console games across both first-party and third-party titles.

Game Pass Ultimate subscribers get some freebie Nitro perks too, including 250 Discord Orbs, 1.2x extra Orb multiplier for quests, and shop discounts. It was revealed that Discord Nitro subscribers will also get these things for free every month as well, and it's unclear whether or not that the Ultimate bonuses/orbs will stack with the existing Nitro bonuses.

"Your Nitro membership is still the same price, and Game Pass is now part of it. The starter edition of Game Pass also comes with 10 hours of cloud gaming, so you can stream games right away on more devices. Whether you're into survival, strategy, co-op, or just want to farm in peace, there's something in there for you. Think Fallout 4, Stardew Valley, DayZ, Deep Rock Galactic, Overcooked 2, Grounded, and more. New games will be added periodically, so there will be more to play."

"This is the biggest expansion to Nitro since we launched it, and it starts with Nitro Rewards, a new benefits program that includes Xbox Game Pass at no additional cost and gear discounts from top gaming brands," Discord wrote on its blog site.

What Nitro subscribers get

• Xbox Game Pass - 50+ console & PC games, includes Fallout 4, Doom titles, Stardew Valley, etc
• 10 hours of cloud game streaming

What Game Pass subscribers get

• 250 Discord Orbs
• 1.2x Orb multiplier for quests

Microsoft had also been exploring a partnership deal with Netflix, with new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma meeting with Netflix CEO Greg Peters to discuss possible cross-overs. While nothing has been confirmed or announced so far, Netflix seems dubious about making a deal, and has instead moved into its own gaming aspirations with its kid-friendly standalone Netflix Playground app.

There's also big moves behind the scenes at Discord as the company eyes its impending IPO. Discord currently serves as the communications bedrock for both PC and console gaming, and under new CEO Humam Sakhnini, Discord aims to make a more digital-oriented transformation focused on advertising and revenue generation (hence Orbs and quests). It's also worth noting that Sakhini served as president of billion-dollar mobile hitmaker King for multiple years.