Katarzyna Petru
The subscription model has firmly established itself in the gaming industry. Services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus offer access to hundreds of titles for a fixed monthly fee. For many gamers, this is a convenient solution that allows them to try out new releases without spending hundreds of złoty on launch day. On the other hand, rising subscription prices and an increasingly shorter presence of games in catalogues are causing users to scrutinise the real costs more closely. Is the subscription actually worth it, or is it just an illusion of savings?
How much does playing on a subscription really cost?
The average price for a major release in 2026 is around 300–350 PLN. The annual cost of a premium subscription ranges from 400 to 700 PLN, depending on the platform and package level. If you play three or four significant titles available on subscription over the course of a year, the bill starts to add up.
The problem arises when you primarily play one or two specific games per year. In such a scenario, purchasing outright can be cheaper, especially if you take advantage of promotions or the second-hand market. A subscription is most worthwhile for those who regularly try out new titles and do not get attached to one game for months.
Ownership versus Access
When purchasing a game digitally or in a box, you have permanent access to it. In the case of subscriptions, the situation is different – titles rotate in the catalogue and can disappear at any moment. This means that if you don't manage to finish the game, you may be forced to buy it.
On the other hand, subscriptions often offer premieres on release day, which eliminates the risk of spending the full amount on a production that does not meet expectations. This is a significant advantage for players who enjoy experimenting.
Subscription Psychology
A subscription gives a sense of "unlimited access," but in practice, many people use only a small part of the catalogue. The monthly fee is often treated like a fixed bill that becomes unnoticed. It is only after a year that it turns out the total spending is comparable to purchasing several new releases outright.
Therefore, more and more gamers are beginning to calculate the actual hours spent on games available in the service. If the cost of one hour of entertainment is low, the subscription makes sense. However, if the account is active "just in case," the value quickly declines.
Game subscriptions in 2026 may still be worthwhile, but not for everyone. The most gains are for players who regularly play a variety of titles and take advantage of releases on launch day. However, if you buy one or two games a year and return to them for months, a classic purchase may be a more sensible choice. In the world of subscriptions, one key thing is to calculate consciously, not just to subscribe.
