The price reduction for Game Pass Ultimate comes as the Essential and Premium tiers remain at £6.99 and £10.99 per month respectively, according to multiple reports. Xbox boss Asha Sharma acknowledged in an internal memo that the service had grown too expensive, suggesting a need to lower costs. This follows an unpopular price hike in October 2023 that sparked widespread outrage among fans. On social media, Reddit user Stumpy493 commented, 'Win for gamers who voiced our displeasure,' while Gameofthrones3058 added, 'Wow they actually did it, fair play to them.'
Existing Call of Duty games will stay available on Game Pass, but Microsoft's Xbox Wire blog post stated that future titles in the franchise won't join the service at launch. Call of Duty has continued to lose players even after its inclusion on Game Pass, raising questions about the impact on subscription value. According to Gameofthrones3058, 'People who absolutely love Call of Duty will have no choice but to pay pretty much full price if they want to have the game at launch.' Stumpy493 noted, 'Still higher than it was previously and with Call of Duty removed day one.'
Wow they actually did it, fair play to them.
It remains unclear whether the price cuts will significantly boost Game Pass subscriptions or how player retention and financial performance influenced the adjustments. The specific reasons behind Microsoft's decision to exclude Call of Duty from Game Pass at launch, beyond potential sales impacts, are also not fully detailed.
People who absolutely love Call of Duty will have no choice but to pay pretty much full price if they want to have the game at launch.
Win for gamers who voiced our displeasure.
Still higher than it was previously and with Call of Duty removed day one.