Xbox Chief: Game Pass Too Expensive in Leaked Memo

Microsoft's new Xbox chief Asha Sharma states in an internal memo that Xbox Game Pass has become too expensive for players. The memo, obtained by The Verge, signals upcoming changes to the subscription service's pricing.

Sharma writes, “Game Pass is central to gaming value on Xbox. It’s also clear that the current model isn’t the final one.” She adds, “Short term, Game Pass has become too expensive for players, so we need a better value equation. Long term, we will evolve Game Pass into a more flexible system which will take time to test and learn around.”

Microsoft raised the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $29.99 per month last year, a 50 percent increase. The company cited upgrades across Game Pass tiers to justify the hike, though the cost has impacted subscriptions.

Part of the increase stems from adding Call of Duty to Game Pass in summer 2024, a move debated internally over potential sales revenue loss. Windows Central’s Jez Corden recently hinted Microsoft might remove Call of Duty from the service.

Sharma acknowledges online rumors about pricing changes and plans to discuss further with Xbox employees next week. No immediate price adjustments are expected.