A Microsoft executive has addressed the substantial price adjustments recently implemented for Xbox Game Pass following widespread player dissatisfaction and negative feedback. While the subscription platform has demonstrated remarkable popularity among gaming enthusiasts and proven highly profitable for Microsoft, the revised pricing structure has rendered the service unaffordable for numerous subscribers, leading thousands to terminate their memberships in response to the recent cost escalation.

Earlier this week, Microsoft confirmed it would be elevating the monthly cost of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $19.99 to $29.99. Concurrently, the service's Standard tier is being phased out and replaced by a new Premium tier, priced at $14.99 monthly, which incorporates expanded game libraries and multiplayer functionality. To potentially mitigate the impact of this unexpected pricing adjustment, the platform introduced approximately 50 new titles for subscribers, featuring 14 Assassin's Creed installments, Hogwarts Legacy, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and Tom Clancy's The Division. While these additions may appeal to certain members, countless others are opting to discontinue their subscriptions, expressing frustration over the insufficient advance notice.

In discussions with The Verge, Dustin Blackwell, Microsoft's director of gaming and platform communications, addressed the pricing modifications and attempted to demonstrate understanding toward the service's user community. Blackwell stated that the development team recognizes that "price increases are never fun for anybody," but emphasized that they are simultaneously working to incorporate "additional value into these subscription tiers." While specific details about future enhancements remain unclear, the executive assured that the abrupt decision was not being "taken lightly" and welcomed ongoing player feedback. Shortly after the controversial pricing announcement, the Xbox Game Pass website experienced technical difficulties due to overwhelming traffic from subscribers attempting to cancel their memberships. The exact number of successful cancellations remains uncertain, as does Microsoft's strategy for re-engaging disillusioned players.

Xbox Game Pass has featured several significant day-one releases throughout 2025, including Avowed, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Grounded 2, and Hollow Knight: Silksong. Additional major titles are scheduled to complete the year's offerings, with Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2 joining the service in October. Although Xbox Game Pass has implemented periodic price adjustments since its 2017 launch while maintaining growing subscriber numbers, it remains uncertain whether players will continue to perceive the service as providing adequate value following this latest substantial price increase.

Discontented subscribers aren't the only voices commenting on Microsoft's strategic decision. Following this week's announcement, GameStop publicly criticized Xbox Game Pass on social media platforms, reminding gamers that purchasing discounted pre-owned titles and maintaining permanent ownership represents a viable alternative to committing to increasingly expensive monthly subscription fees.