Microsoft announced a significant reduction in the prices of its main game subscriptions this Tuesday. Game Pass Ultimate, which offers access to console, PC and cloud games, drops from US$29.99 to US$22.99 per month, representing a 23% drop. The Game Pass PC goes from $16.49 to $13.99 per month, a 15% reduction. The new rates are effective immediately for all users, with updates reflected in the next billing for active subscribers.
Resposta to criticism about service accessibility
The adjustment comes just a few months after a previous increase that took Game Pass Ultimate close to $30. Microsoft internally recognized that the price was high for many players and cited user feedback about the cost as the main motivation for the change. The company stated that it listened to players from different profiles and regions before making the decision. The objective is to make the subscription more accessible while maintaining the core value proposition of the service.
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 depending on region and local currency, with conversions and taxes differing by location. Microsoft has not yet disclosed the exact values in reais for Brasil in this initial communication.
Mudanças on release strategy Call of Duty
- Game Pass Ultimate reduced from $29.99 to $22.99 monthly (down 23%)
- PC Game Pass reduced from $16.49 to $13.99 monthly (down 15%)
- Novos titles Call of Duty arrive on the service 12 months after launch, no longer on debut day
- Jogos of the series already present in the library continues to be available normally
- Vigência of new subscriptions starting April 21, 2026
Futuros titles from the Call of Duty franchise no longer reach Game Pass on launch day. The new games will only enter the catalog during the holiday season of the following year, approximately 12 months after launch. The latest title remains on sale for US$69.99 for those who want to play at its debut. Outros first-party and third-party releases continue with normal inclusion according to the service’s history.
Nova leadership rebuilds relationship with community
Asha Sharma took over Microsoft’s gaming division in February, replacing Phil Spencer. Relatos indicate that the executive internally assessed the price of 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 hardware sales fell 32% in the period, while content and services revenue fell below internal projections.
The company completed the acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023 for US$75.4 billion, significantly expanding the available catalog. Game Pass has hundreds of titles for download and streaming. The Ultimate service offers a full library of games, access to online multiplayer and additional benefits like EA Play in certain situations. Microsoft reported 34 million Game Pass subscribers in 2024 data, a number that was not updated this Tuesday.
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 in the coming quarters. The reduction can attract new subscribers or encourage users who canceled after the last adjustment. The company should monitor reception of the change in the coming weeks to assess the impact on the user base. Usuários can check the updated price directly on the Xbox app or on the official Microsoft website, checking regional prices depending on their location.