Microsoft Cuts Game Pass Prices by Over 20% While Removing Day‑One Call of Duty Access

Game Pass, launched in early 2017, initially offered around 100 console games for $10 per month. Since then, the service has significantly expanded its content and features. Subscribers now access over 500 console games, along with Ubisoft+ Classics and EA Play subscriptions. The offering also includes downloadable PC games, cloud streaming capabilities, and console multiplayer services previously requiring a separate Xbox Live Gold subscription. Last October, Game Pass Ultimate experienced a 50% price increase, reflecting this expanded value.

The Game Pass Ultimate monthly subscription now costs $22.99. This marks a 23% reduction from its previous $29.99 price point. PC Game Pass also sees a price adjustment, moving to $13.99 per month. This represents a 22% decrease from its prior $16.49 cost. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that Game Pass Ultimate was considered "too expensive for many players," influencing this strategic shift.

These price changes coincide with a significant alteration to game access. Going forward, new *Call of Duty* titles will not be included on Game Pass on their launch day. Instead, these highly anticipated games will arrive on the service during the following holiday season, roughly a year after their initial release. Existing *Call of Duty* titles remain available to current subscribers.

This strategic move balances lower subscription costs with a change to one of the platform's most prominent content offerings. Microsoft aims to broaden Game Pass's appeal by addressing price concerns, potentially attracting new subscribers or retaining existing ones who found the service's prior cost prohibitive. The company also encourages separate purchases for immediate access to major new releases like *Call of Duty*, which consistently rank among the industry's top sellers.

The market will observe how these changes impact subscriber growth and standalone game sales across Microsoft's gaming ecosystem.