Microsoft has officially announced a pricing update for its Xbox Game Pass service, confirming earlier reports that pointed to a reduction in monthly subscription costs. The move affects both the Ultimate and PC tiers, while also introducing a change in how major releases—particularly from the Call of Duty franchise—will be handled going forward.
As detailed on Xbox Wire, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is now priced at $22.99 per month, down from $29.99. PC Game Pass has also been reduced, now set at $13.99 per month compared to its previous rate. The updated pricing is rolling out globally, and subscribers are expected to see the changes reflected in their next billing cycle.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma commented on the decision in a follow-up statement, noting that pricing had become a concern for part of the user base.
“Game Pass Ultimate has become too expensive for too many players. Starting today, we’re dropping the price. We’ll keep learning and evolving Game Pass to better match what matters to players.”
Alongside the price adjustments, Microsoft confirmed that new Call of Duty titles will no longer launch on Game Pass on day one. Instead, future entries in the series will arrive on the service roughly a year after their retail release. This marks a shift in strategy, as day-one availability had been one of the key selling points of the subscription.
Updated Xbox Game Pass Pricing
- Game Pass Essential – $9.99/month
- Game Pass Premium – $14.99/month
- Game Pass Ultimate – $22.99/month (previously $29.99)
- PC Game Pass – $13.99/month (previously $16.99)
The revised pricing structure results in noticeable annual savings. Ultimate subscribers can expect to save up to $84 per year, while PC Game Pass users save around $30 annually. Despite the lower cost, there are no changes announced for the Essential or Premium tiers.
The removal of day-one access for Call of Duty may affect how some players view the service, especially those who relied on Game Pass to access new releases without paying full price. However, the lower monthly fee could make the subscription more appealing to a wider audience.
This update arrives shortly after reports of internal discussions around reshaping the Game Pass model. The quick transition from rumor to official policy suggests Microsoft is moving with urgency as it adjusts its subscription strategy. How players respond to the balance between pricing and content access will likely shape future updates to the service.
