Xbox’s Game Pass Price Drop: A Sigh of Relief for Gamers
Good news for all the Xbox enthusiasts out there! Microsoft has decided to roll back the hefty price hikes it imposed on Game Pass last year. While the new prices aren’t exactly what they used to be, they’re definitely more palatable, especially for those who were feeling the pinch.
The change comes right after Xbox’s CEO, Asha Sharma, admitted that the previous prices were too steep. And it turns out, the backlash from those price hikes was more intense than anticipated. During a recent chat at the Summer Game Fest, Matthew Ball, the new chief strategy officer at Xbox, revealed that Game Pass lost “millions” of subscribers following the October 2025 price increase. The Ultimate tier went up by a staggering 50%, jumping from $19.99 (approx. Rs 5,600) to $29.99 (approx. Rs 8,400) per month, which understandably sent many gamers packing.
This significant drop in subscribers likely pushed Sharma to act quickly on slashing the prices. However, this cut comes with its own set of consequences—most notably, the delay of Call of Duty games on Game Pass. Instead of being available at launch, players will now have to wait about a year after release. But hey, the immediate effect of the price drop was a breath of fresh air for the community! Just a month later in May, Sharma reported that they had seen a boost in Game Pass acquisitions and better retention rates. While it may not be a complete recovery, it’s definitely a positive direction.
Ball echoed this sentiment, stating that the new price of $22.99 (approx. Rs 6,440) for Game Pass Ultimate is resonating well with gamers. It’s an increase, but nowhere near as shocking as before, which seems to be helping sway public opinion back in favor of Xbox.
This price reduction is just one part of a larger strategy to revitalize Xbox. Initially, some speculated Sharma wouldn’t last long in her role, with Seamus Blackley cheekily suggesting she was like a “palliative care doctor” for the console. But with moves like these and a renewed focus on console exclusives, it appears Xbox is making a real effort to regain its competitive edge. Time will tell if these changes will pay off, but the fact that they are happening is encouraging for fans and gamers alike.
Note: PKR figures are approximate, based on a rate of Rs 280.00 per USD. Exchange rates fluctuate — please check the latest dollar rate for exact pricing.