Xbox Game Pass Price Hike Sparks Gamer Backlash

[cryptoenthusiast]

Microsoft raised its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription from $19.99 to $29.99 per month on October 1, 2025, citing the addition of major titles like Call of Duty to the streaming service. Sources say the move is aimed at offsetting lost sales of high-margin games, with Xbox reportedly losing over $300 million in Call of Duty sales last year. Gamers have reacted with cancellations, highlighting the challenge of balancing value for subscribers with revenue for publishers.

[Nahid10]

Not surprising—price hikes rarely go over well. Xbox needs to justify it with stronger new releases.

[kelson10]

Gamers are frustrated for good reason. The value is shrinking while prices keep rising.