Microsoft Lowers XGP Prices But Removes Day-One COD Access
Microsoft today announced a price reduction for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscriptions, while also adjusting the release schedule for Call of Duty (COD) games joining the subscription library. Price drops are uncommon for subscription services; Xbox is reducing the Ultimate monthly fee from $29.99 to $22.99 and the PC Game Pass monthly fee from $16.49 to $13.99.
The price changes take effect immediately, but Microsoft notes that prices may vary by region.
Behind the price reduction lies a significant trade-off. Starting this year, future Call of Duty titles will no longer be available on Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass on day one of their release.
Microsoft’s timeline indicates these games will join the subscription library the following year, approximately a year later. Call of Duty games already in the library are unaffected and will remain available.
Microsoft states this adjustment is a response to player feedback and was not a last-minute decision. Aside from the removal of day-one access for Call of Duty, the rest of the Game Pass structure remains unchanged.
The Ultimate tier still includes hundreds of games for console and PC, online multiplayer, in-game benefits, and other first-party releases.
The current Game Pass product line continues to be divided into four tiers: Core, PC, Ultimate, and Premium.
The Premium tier is particularly unique, with Microsoft-published new games launching on this tier within 12 months of release, rather than being available on day one. This echoes the change in treatment for the Call of Duty series.