April 24, 2026, 1:33 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Microsoft is responding to massive complaints from the community by adjusting the prices for its Xbox Game Pass once again. After the company significantly raised costs in October 2025, there was a noticeable backlash. Many users canceled their subscriptions, reportedly in such large numbers that it even led to technical issues.
By mid-April 2026, it was internally acknowledged that the pricing was set too high. Now Microsoft is taking action and rolling back part of the increase.
Prices Drop for Key Subscription Models
According to an official announcement on the Xbox website, Microsoft is reducing costs for selected subscription tiers. The adjustment is particularly significant for the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Instead of the recent €26.99 per month, the new price is €20.99. This still exceeds the pre-increase level, but the difference is smaller.
The PC Game Pass is also becoming cheaper. Here, the monthly price drops from €14.99 to €12.99. Before the price adjustment, the subscription cost €11.99. Other models remain unchanged, as the standard subscription was not affected.
The adjustment does not come without concessions. Microsoft is simultaneously reducing the scope of the offering. This is particularly relevant for fans of the “Call of Duty” series. New installments will no longer be available in the Game Pass immediately upon release. Instead, they will appear in the subscription with a delay, planned for the holiday season of the following year, about a year after their release.
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Fewer Benefits for Players
For many users, this change represents a clear disadvantage. Since the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft had provided new “Call of Duty” titles in the Game Pass right at launch. Players could access the games immediately without additional costs. This practice is now ending. Existing titles in the series will remain part of the offering, so the current library remains unchanged.
With this move, Microsoft appears to be trying to find a middle ground. On one hand, the company is responding to criticism of the increased prices and providing financial relief to users. On the other hand, the scope of the offering is being adjusted. The development shows that price increases for digital services cannot be enforced indefinitely. At the same time, Microsoft makes it clear that lower prices are not possible without changes to the content.