Archive · 4 Oct 2025
Xbox Game Pass Price Hike: Cost of Streaming
Microsoft is raising the price of its Xbox Game Pass, specifically for the top-tier Ultimate plan.
This plan will now cost more each month.
They are adding more games to the subscription, including new releases on their launch day.
While subscribers get more games, Microsoft is making less money on games like Call of Duty because they are part of the subscription.
Experts suggest the price increase is needed because the company's streaming service hasn't grown as expected, and the company needs to bring in more money.
They also cut jobs this year and last.
Microsoft is increasing prices for the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan.
The Ultimate plan will cost $30 a month.
Xbox has added over 75 'day one' releases to the Ultimate plan.
Some believe the price hike is due to lower sales of games such as Call of Duty.
The growth of Game Pass has slowed, despite overall revenue increases.
- Who
- Microsoft and Xbox Game Pass subscribers
- What
- Microsoft increased prices for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, including Ultimate
- When
- October 2024
- Where
- Worldwide for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- Why
- To increase revenue and provide more value through additional content.
Those who benefit from streaming
Those who prefer ownership
Subscription Impact
Those who benefit from streaming
Game Pass benefits subscribers who can access more games, and can play on launch day.
Those who prefer ownership
Game Pass subscriptions may come at the expense of retail revenue. Many titles are still $60-$70 to purchase.
- Price Increase
- 50% increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- Ultimate Plan Price
- $30/month
- Game Pass Launch Year
- 2017
- Subscriber Growth Slowdown
- From 80% (2020-2021) to 36% (2022-2024)
- Xbox's Stated Revenue
- Nearly $5 billion for fiscal year ending June
- Call of Duty Sales Impact
- Xbox lost over $300 million in console/PC sales last year
