Microsoft’s Game Pass gets cheaper, loses launch dayCall of Dutyaccess

In a significant shift for its gaming service, Microsoft revealed on Tuesday that Game Pass subscribers will benefit from notable price cuts starting immediately. However, this reduction comes with the caveat that subscribers will no longer receive day-one access to the popular Call of Duty franchise from Activision. In the United States, the monthly fee for the Game Pass Ultimate subscription is set to decrease to $22.99, down from $29.99—a reduction of approximately 23%. Meanwhile, the PC Game Pass will now cost $13.99, a drop from $16.49, reflecting a nearly 22% decrease. Despite these price reductions, new Call of Duty titles will not be available on launch day; they are expected to arrive on Game Pass only during the next holiday season. However, previous iterations of the Call of Duty series will still be accessible to subscribers. Asha Sharma, the newly appointed CEO of Xbox, addressed the changes in a social media post, stating, "Game Pass Ultimate has become too expensive for too many players." This comment aligns with sentiments expressed in a recent employee memo that was leaked to the Verge. Sharma emphasized that the company is committed to continually adapting Game Pass to better meet the needs of its player base. Since its inception in early 2017 as a $10 monthly service offering around 100 console games, the price of Game Pass has risen gradually, including a substantial 50% hike for Game Pass Ultimate last October. However, the subscription has also expanded its offerings significantly. Subscribers now enjoy access to over 500 console games, alongside services like Ubisoft+ Classics and EA Play, as well as downloadable PC titles, cloud gaming options, and multiplayer services that once required a separate Xbox Live Gold subscription.