Less than a year after launch, Xbox Game Pass is growing. The gaming subscription launched by Microsoft in 31 markets in June 2017, offering unlimited downloads and play of more than 100 Xbox One and 360 backward compatible games for $9.99 a month. The subscription service is now available in 40 countries, and it adds new games to the Xbox Game Pass library monthly. On Tuesday, Xbox Game Pass announced a major expansion.

New Xbox One exclusive games from Microsoft Studios will now be available on the same day as their global release. For example, when Sea of Thieves launches on March 20, it will be available to Xbox Game Pass members. Releases including State of Decay 2, Crackdown 3, Halo, Forza and Gears of War and other as-yet-unannounced games will also be available to members the same day the games launch to a global audience. Previously, members had to pay separately to buy the games or wait for the games to be released as part of the subscription plan.

In addition, Microsoft said it is working closely with retail partners like GameStop to offer a six-month Xbox Game Pass subscription card for $59.99, available March 20.

‘With the addition of more great games, new blockbuster releases and a new subscription offer, we are giving fans more choice and value in how they discover and enjoy games – purchase games for their permanent library or play through Xbox Game Pass for one low price,’ said Phil Spencer, Microsoft games chief.

‘We’ve only scratched the surface of the opportunity this new model brings to the industry and what we can deliver to our fans. We firmly believe Xbox Game Pass will be a catalyst to create new opportunities for game developers and publishers to innovate in the way games are developed and delivered, leading to entirely new ways to play,’ added Spencer. ‘We’re truly humbled by the incredible response we’ve received to date for Xbox Game Pass, and we look forward to offering an unprecedented choice and value with Xbox Game Pass this spring and beyond.’

Here are a few reactions from gamers and gaming experts from Twitter:

In an article on the expansion, Tom Warren of The Verge asked Spencer if Microsoft would give up on Xbox, as it has done on other services and devices. Spencer assured them Microsoft is committed to Xbox and its possibilities for the future.

Insider Take:

Gaming subscriptions are becoming more popular as the subscription economy grows and people of all ages are becoming more comfortable of paying for entertainment via subscription. The big companies – Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo – are all experimenting with them to see what works and what doesn’t. Much like streaming, it won’t price that drives subscribers to the service. It will be exclusive content and experiences not available elsewhere. With this expansion, Microsoft is upping its game, literally.