Asha Sharma's Vision for Xbox Game Pass: Potential Price Changes and Collaborations

Asha Sharma has recently taken over as the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, succeeding Phil Spencer. One of her primary objectives is to make Xbox Game Pass more appealing to a wider audience. Reports indicate that Sharma is considering revamping the pricing structure of Game Pass, potentially introducing lower-priced tiers to attract more customers.

New Xbox CEO Could Make Game Pass Less Expensive, Report Says

In October 2025, Microsoft raised the prices of Game Pass subscriptions significantly, with Game Pass Ultimate increasing by 50% to $30 per month. Currently, Game Pass Premium is priced at $15 per month, while Game Pass Essential costs $10 per month, and PC Game Pass is set at $16.50 per month. To counteract the backlash from these price hikes, Sharma's strategy may include the introduction of an ad-supported tier, allowing users to play Game Pass titles for free in exchange for viewing advertisements. This model mirrors successful strategies employed by other entertainment services, such as Netflix, which offers an ad-supported plan starting at $8 per month.

New Xbox CEO Could Make Game Pass Less Expensive, Report SaysXbox Boss Asha Sharma is Reportedly Looking at Making Xbox Game Pass “More Enticing” With “Lower-Priced Tiers”Sportskeeda

In a related development, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters has expressed interest in exploring a partnership with Xbox. During discussions with Sharma, Peters mentioned that they have "kicked around ideas" for bundling subscription packages, which could enhance the value proposition for consumers. While no formal agreement has been reached, Peters emphasized the importance of creating a collaboration that benefits both companies and their users.

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Sharma's approach has been characterized by a focus on expanding Xbox's reach and improving customer satisfaction. Peters noted, "You would have to do it in a way that works for the consumer and works for both companies," highlighting the need for a mutually beneficial arrangement. He also expressed excitement about Sharma's vision, stating, "What I like about Asha's thinking is, it's all about, 'How do we do more?'"

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Despite the potential benefits of these changes, some critics remain skeptical. Concerns have been raised that merely reverting to previous pricing levels after the recent increases may not be perceived as a genuine discount. Additionally, the success of an ad-supported tier hinges on consumer acceptance of advertisements in gaming experiences, which could be met with resistance from traditional gamers.

Xbox Boss Asha Sharma is Reportedly Looking at Making Xbox Game Pass “More Enticing” With “Lower-Priced Tiers”

As Sharma embarks on her tenure, the gaming community will be closely monitoring any announcements regarding pricing changes and potential collaborations with Netflix. The introduction of lower-priced tiers and the exploration of bundled subscriptions could significantly reshape the landscape of gaming subscriptions, making Xbox Game Pass a more competitive option in the market.

Xbox Boss Asha Sharma is Reportedly Looking at Making Xbox Game Pass “More Enticing” With “Lower-Priced Tiers”

• "You would have to do it in a way that works for the consumer and works for both companies." — Greg Peters, Co-CEO of Netflix

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• "What I like about Asha's thinking is, it's all about, 'How do we do more?'" — Greg Peters, Co-CEO of Netflix

Sportskeeda