Microsoft announced a significant reduction in the prices of its main game subscriptions this Tuesday. Game Pass Ultimate drops from US$29.99 to US$22.99 monthly, representing a 23% drop. The Game Pass PC goes from $16.49 to $13.99 per month, a 15% reduction. The new values come into effect immediately for all users from April 21, 2026.
Resposta to criticisms about the cost of the service
The adjustment comes just a few months after a previous increase that brought Ultimate close to US$30. The company internally recognized that the price was high for many players. Feedback from users about accessibility motivated the change in strategy. Usuários with an active subscription will receive the new amount in the next automatic billing.
The update was detailed in an official statement on Xbox Wire. Preços may vary by region and local currency. Microsoft has not yet released the exact values for Brasil in this initial communication, but advised to consult the Xbox application and the official website to check regional conversions.
Mudança on release strategy Call of Duty
- Game Pass Ultimate reduced by 23% from $29.99 to $22.99 monthly
- PC Game Pass reduced by 15% from $16.49 to $13.99 per month
- Futuros titles Call of Duty arrive on the service 12 months after launch, not on debut day
- Jogos of the series already present are still normally available in the catalog
- Novos first-party and third-party releases maintain inclusion according to the service’s history
The decision on Call of Duty represents a significant change in content strategy. Novos titles from the franchise will only enter the catalog during the following year’s holiday season. Jogadores interested in playing at the premiere will need to purchase the title for US$69.99. The measure reflects adjustments to the platform’s exclusive release policy.
Nova leadership rebuilds relationship with community
Asha Sharma took over Microsoft’s gaming division in February, replacing Phil Spencer. The executive internally assessed the price of the Game Pass as a barrier for many consumers. The gaming segment represented around 7% of Microsoft’s total revenue in the most recent quarter. Vendas of hardware fell 32% in the period, while revenue from content and services was below internal projections.
The company completed the acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023 for US$75.4 billion. The Game Pass catalog has hundreds of titles for download and streaming. The Ultimate service offers game library, online multiplayer and additional benefits like EA Play in certain situations. The company reported 34 million Game Pass subscribers in 2024 data.
Impacto in the competitive subscription market
The cut comes in the context of fierce competition with PlayStation Plus and other cloud platforms. Analistas monitors whether the measure influences subscriber retention and growth. The reduction can attract new users or encourage those who canceled after the last adjustment. Microsoft stated that they heard feedback from players from different profiles and regions.
The objective is to make the subscription more accessible while maintaining the core value proposition. The company recognized that there is no single ideal model for all audiences. The update does not affect games already included in the catalog. Apenas new releases of Call of Duty follow the postponed 12-month schedule, while other titles continue with normal inclusion according to the service’s history. Microsoft should monitor the reception of the measure in the coming weeks.