Since Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in a landmark buyout in 2023, rumors have been circulating that there would be big changes to the subscription service to facilitate bringing games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to Game Pass on the day of its release. Microsoft has now detailed what changes players can expect from the service going forward.
Players looking to subscribe to either Xbox Game Pass PC or Ultimate will see a price increase across all regions from July 10, 2024. For existing subscribers, these rises come into effect from September 12, 2024, and there are no changes to the benefits offered in any of these tiers like the inclusion of EA Play. Xbox Game Pass PC subscribers will see their monthly fees from $9.99 to $11.99, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate rising from $16.99 to $19.99 per month. Xbox Game Pass Core, Microsoft’s entry-level subscription service, will see its yearly fee jump from $59.99 to $74.99, although the monthly charge will remain at $9.99.
On top of these price increases, the Xbox Game Pass Console option will be phased out from July 10, 2024. From this date, the service will not be available to new subscribers. Players who are already subscribed can continue to use the service as it is so long as their account is set to auto-renew. Members can still stack gift cards to top up their console subscription, but from September 12, the maximum amount allowed will be 13 months.
