Xbox’s Game Pass Shake-Up: Price Hike, New Tier, and No Day-One AAA Titles for Base Subscribers

Microsoft is making significant changes to Xbox Game Pass, causing a stir among fans and raising questions about the future of game subscriptions. Starting later this year, Xbox Game Pass will see a multi-faceted overhaul that includes a price increase, the removal of day-one access to major AAA first-party titles from its base tier, and the introduction of a new subscription level called “Game Pass Standard.”

Under the revised pricing structure, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate—the top-tier offering—will increase to $19.99 per month, up from the previous $16.99. PC Game Pass jumps to $11.99, while current Xbox Game Pass for Console members will no longer be able to sign up for that specific tier come September. Instead, Xbox will replace it with the new “Game Pass Standard” plan at $14.99 per month, which notably excludes day-one access to blockbuster titles like future installments of Halo, Forza, and the recently announced Doom: The Dark Ages.

The removal of day-one first-party releases from the base console tier has sparked considerable backlash from the community. Previously, this feature was one of the most compelling reasons to subscribe, particularly for gamers looking to play major Xbox exclusives without additional cost on release day. Without it, many are questioning the value proposition of Game Pass Standard compared to its higher-priced Ultimate counterpart.

In a blog post, Microsoft defended the changes as necessary to “ensure the sustainability and growth of Game Pass in the long term.” The company stressed that players currently on the Console plan will not lose access immediately and will be able to continue their subscription as long as they do not let it lapse.

While these moves may reflect broader economic pressures and a realignment of long-term strategy, they mark a notable shift away from the value-focused model that originally helped Game Pass build its dedicated following. With Sony maintaining a different approach for its PlayStation Plus service, the industry will be watching closely to see how players react—and how Xbox balances growth with gamer goodwill.