Microsoft reduces Game Pass Ultimate by 23% and postpones Call of Duty launches

Microsoft announced a significant reduction in the prices of its main game subscriptions starting April 21, 2026. Game Pass Ultimate 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 prices come into effect immediately for all users, with the reduced price being charged at the next subscription renewal.

Reconhecimento from Microsoft on access barriers

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 as the main motivation for the change. Asha Sharma, who took over the gaming division in February from Phil Spencer, assessed Game Pass as a significant barrier for many consumers. The executive repositioned the pricing strategy as a direct response to criticism from the community.

Usuários with an active subscription will automatically receive the new amount on the next billing. The update was detailed in an official statement on Xbox Wire, reinforcing that the company heard feedback from players from different profiles and regions. The objective is to make the subscription more accessible while maintaining the core value proposition of the service. Preços may vary by region and local currency, with Microsoft still evaluating exact values ​​for Brasil in this initial communication.

Mudança on release strategy Call of Duty

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. Jogos series already present in the library continue to be available normally. The latest title remains on sale for US$69.99 for those who want to play at its debut. Apenas new releases of Call of Duty follow the postponed schedule, while other first-party and third-party releases continue with normal inclusion according to the service’s history.

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• Game Pass Ultimate reduces from $29.99 to $22.99 monthly, down 23%
• PC Game Pass goes from $16.49 to $13.99 per month, 15% reduction
• Novos Call of Duty arrives on service 12 months after launch
• Immediate Vigência from April 21, 2026

Contexto financial and acquisition of Activision

The gaming segment represented about 7% of Microsoft’s total revenue in the most recent quarter, with hardware sales falling 32% in the period. Revenue from content and services was below internal projections, signaling the need for strategic adjustments. The company completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023 for $75.4 billion, significantly expanding Game Pass’s catalog with hundreds of titles for download and streaming. Game Pass Ultimate offers a library of games, online multiplayer and additional benefits like EA Play in certain situations, consolidating itself as a comprehensive proposition in the subscription market.

Impacto in the game services competition

The cut comes in the context of fierce competition with PlayStation Plus and other cloud platforms. Microsoft reported 34 million Game Pass subscribers in 2024 data, a number that could increase with price cuts. The reduction can attract new subscribers or encourage users who canceled after the last adjustment, repositioning the service as a more competitive option in the market. Analistas monitors whether the measure influences subscriber retention and growth in the coming quarters. The company did not release updated numbers this Tuesday, but should monitor reception of the measure in the coming weeks. Usuários can check the updated price directly on the Xbox app or on the Microsoft official website.