Xbox Game Pass Prices Reduced, 'Call of Duty' Day-One Inclusion Ends
- tech360.tv
- Apr 22
- 1 min read
Microsoft has reduced the price of its video game subscription service and will no longer include future "Call of Duty" game releases on launch day, marking a significant strategy shift under new gaming boss Asha Sharma.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will now cost USD 22.99 a month, down from USD 29.99. PC Game Pass prices are also reduced to USD 13.99 monthly from USD 16.49, the software firm announced in a blog post.
Microsoft had previously positioned subscription services and cloud gaming as key drivers for the Xbox brand. However, consistent Game Pass price increases, declining console sales, and a shortage of compelling titles left Microsoft lagging rivals Sony and Nintendo.
The removal of "Call of Duty" games on launch day reverses a recent strategy. This decision followed Microsoft's acquisition of developer Activision Blizzard for USD 69 billion, an investment intended to draw users to Game Pass.
Future "Call of Duty" titles will be added to Game Pass services approximately one year after their initial release, the company stated.
Uncertainty regarding the Xbox brand's future was heightened by leadership changes. These changes included the departures of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond. Microsoft insider Asha Sharma subsequently assumed the top role, leading the company's gaming division.
The Verge reported, citing an internal memo to Xbox employees, that Sharma acknowledged Game Pass had become too costly for players.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass prices have been reduced.
Future "Call of Duty" games will no longer be available on Game Pass on launch day.
New "Call of Duty" titles will join Game Pass approximately one year after release.
Source: REUTERS
