Microsoft is defending its decision to raise the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate by 50 percent, stating that it hears players’ frustration while promising added value across all tiers.
Speaking with The Verge, Dustin Blackwell, Microsoft’s director of gaming and platform communications, said the company didn’t take the decision lightly and is listening to community feedback. He pointed to several features Microsoft believes justify the change, including an expanded library, cloud gaming, and continued day‑one releases for subscribers. “We’re also now giving access to more than 75 day one releases each year,” Blackwell said, adding that it represents a 50 percent increase over last year’s day‑one slate.
The company also highlighted newly included perks, such as Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew, as benefits for the higher cost. In addition to the Ultimate increase, Microsoft raised PC Game Pass from $11.99 to $16.49 per month.
Both PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will have access to day‑one releases. Subscribers on the Premium plan will receive first‑party Xbox games within a year of launch, with the explicit exception of Call of Duty. For further reading, there’s also a note that some retailers have chosen to continue selling Game Pass Ultimate at older prices, along with a subscription link for updates on the topic.
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