About Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service launched in 2017, has become a cornerstone of gaming on Xbox Series X and PC. Initially priced at $10 a month, it has seen multiple price increases over the years, including a jump to $15 when Xbox Live Gold was integrated. As of April 21, 2025, the price will decrease to $23 for Game Pass Ultimate and $14 for PC Game Pass.
Quick Facts
| Publisher | Xbox |
|---|---|
| Platform(s) | Xbox Series X, PC |
| Price | $23 a month |
Changes to Call Of Duty Inclusion
In a significant shift, Xbox announced that future Call of Duty games will no longer be included on day one in Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. Instead, these titles will be added during the following holiday season, approximately a year after their initial release. Existing Call of Duty titles currently available in the library will remain accessible to subscribers.
Xbox's Reasoning Behind the Changes
According to Xbox, this adjustment is a direct response to player feedback about the service becoming too expensive. The company noted, "Our players cover a wide breadth of geographies, preferences, and tastes, so while there isn’t a single model that’s best for everyone, this change responds to a lot of feedback we’ve gotten so far." This statement aims to clarify the rationale behind the price reduction and removal of day-one access.
Game Pass’s Previous Price Increases
The price of Xbox Game Pass has fluctuated significantly since its inception. After launching at $10 a month, it increased to $15 when Xbox Live Gold was incorporated. In October 2025, just before the launch of Black Ops 7, the price rose to $30. Xbox is now recognizing that this model has become too costly for players, with Sharma stating, "Game Pass is central to gaming value on Xbox. It’s also clear that the current model isn’t the final one."
Future Implications for Players
This price decrease may provide relief to players who found the previous subscription costs prohibitive. However, losing day-one access to new Call of Duty titles could alter the appeal of Game Pass for some subscribers. It remains to be seen if this change will impact the inclusion of other first-party titles. For now, the reduction in price is a welcome change in an industry where price increases are more common.