Microsoft lowered monthly prices for Xbox Game Pass plans while changing how new Call of Duty releases are added to the service: blockbuster Call of Duty titles will no longer appear in Game Pass on day one, instead arriving after a mandatory post-launch sales window.
What changed in Xbox Game Pass pricing and release policy?
According to an official statement published by Xbox Wire, Microsoft repositioned Game Pass to prioritize subscriber growth through lower monthly fees. As part of that shift, the company introduced a required period during which major releases—specifically Call of Duty—must be sold individually before being added to the Game Pass catalog.
Existing subscriptions will be converted automatically to the new, lower monthly price at the next billing cycle.
Key elements of the new model
- Lower monthly fees across Game Pass plans to attract a broader audience.
- Calls of Duty titles will be subject to a post-launch window and will not be available on day one in Game Pass.
- Active subscriptions will be updated automatically to the reduced price on the next billing date.
Why Call of Duty is excluded from Day One releases?
The change is commercial: Microsoft aims to protect the substantial launch-period sales that Call of Duty generates. Making a franchise that routinely sells tens of millions of copies immediately available to subscribers would reduce early direct-sales revenue, a concern highlighted after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
By delaying Call of Duty’s inclusion, Microsoft expects to capture initial purchase revenue from players who want immediate access while later extending the game’s lifecycle through Game Pass availability months after release.
New prices and how each plan handles Call of Duty
Microsoft simplified the pricing to make plan selection clearer. The price reductions apply to console, PC and the Ultimate tier, which remains the most comprehensive option.
| Subscription Plan | New Price (US) | Call of Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Game Pass Ultimate | US$ 19.99 | Post-launch |
| PC Game Pass | US$ 9.99 | Post-launch |
| Game Pass Core | US$ 7.99 | Not included |
Benefits for most players
The lower entry price broadens access to hundreds of titles and can reduce the monthly entertainment cost for many users. The service still includes more than 400 games across genres and publishers, and the Ultimate tier continues to include EA Play at no extra cost along with exclusive discounts on DLCs and expansions for installed titles.
- Immediate savings on fixed monthly digital-entertainment costs.
- Access to a rotating library of over 400 games.
- EA Play included in the Ultimate plan.
- Exclusive discounts on downloadable content and expansions.
Impact on competitive players and creators
For casual players who play many titles and can wait months for Call of Duty to join Game Pass, the reduced price strengthens the service’s value proposition. Competitive players, professionals and content creators who require access from day one will now face the additional cost of purchasing Call of Duty separately at launch.
The choice for those users depends on how much they prioritize immediate access and participation in launch-day competitive environments versus the ongoing savings and variety Game Pass offers for regular play.
