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Xbox slashes Game Pass fees, ends day-one Call of Duty

4/24/2026

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Summary

Xbox Cuts Prices

Effective April 21, 2026, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will cost $22.99 per month (down from $29.99) and PC Game Pass $13.99 per month (down from $16.49).
Asha Sharma said the cuts respond to feedback that Game Pass had become too expensive.
New Call of Duty titles will join Game Pass after a year, ending day-one access.
Analysts said the removal was expected because day-one Call of Duty had not driven subscription growth.

Summary

Sharma Expands GamePass

Asha Sharma, Microsoft Gaming CEO, announced on X that Xbox and Discord are teaming up to boost Game Pass flexibility.
Memos say Microsoft will test a Game Pass plan letting users add or drop bundles such as Cloud Gaming or the Fortnite Crew benefit, codenamed “Duet” and “Triton”.
Rumors say the system could let subscribers add third-party services like World of Warcraft or Netflix, adjusting price while undercutting standalone fees.

History

Historical Context

After Netflix’s 2011 decision to raise its basic streaming plan from $7.99 to $8.99—a $1 increase that triggered a loss of about one million U.S. subscribers and a sharp stock decline—Microsoft’s 2026 Game Pass cuts to $22.99 and $13.99 aim to significantly curb churn and retain users amid stagnant growth.

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Xbox Cuts Prices

Effective April 21, 2026, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will cost $22.99 per month (down from $29.99) and PC Game Pass $13.99 per month (down from $16.49).
Asha Sharma said the cuts respond to feedback that Game Pass had become too expensive.
New Call of Duty titles will join Game Pass after a year, ending day-one access.
Analysts said the removal was expected because day-one Call of Duty had not driven subscription growth.

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