Xbox Game Pass has suffered a significant loss of millions of subscribers following a 50% price hike in fall 2025. The increase, which made the service "too expensive" for many players, was recently reversed in April 2026. This move comes as part of a broader strategy adjustment, including the removal of Call of Duty from the platform.
Toys for Bob, developers of the successful Spyro: Reignited Trilogy, have achieved independence from Activision after a corporate mandate shifted their focus to supporting Call of Duty: Warzone. Following Microsoft's 2024 layoffs, the studio secured a buyout, described as "many mini miracles" by studio head Paul Yan. Now, they're developing a new, original Spyro game.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discusses the industry's hardware cost crisis, suggesting innovative solutions are in the works. Sharma hints at "radically different business models" and possibly a more affordable console by the end of the year. This move could significantly impact the console's accessibility amid rising prices.
Xbox is exploring unconventional business strategies to ensure its next console is more affordable. This move aims to make the upcoming hardware accessible to a broader audience from day one. The approach underscores Xbox's shift towards consumer-centric pricing models.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma hints at radical new business models for the next console generation, including ad-supported consoles and cloud-streaming innovations, to combat rising component costs. Project Helix's future hinges on finding affordable solutions without sacrificing performance. Sharma also outlines a cautious approach to exclusives, tying their expansion to the platform's overall health.
Halo: Campaign Evolved's latest trailer, captured on PS5 Pro, hints at a pulled PlayStation State of Play appearance, fueling speculation around Xbox's return to exclusivity. The move comes amidst Xbox's sudden shift towards console exclusives. This development may upset PlayStation despite the game's confirmed PS5 release.
Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass suffered a substantial loss of "millions of subscribers" following a 50% price increase in October 2025. The service's Ultimate tier jumped from $19.99 to $29.99 monthly, sparking widespread backlash. Despite a later price reduction to $22.99, the impact on subscribers was significant.
Xbox Game Pass has seen a significant drop in subscribers following a substantial price increase in 2025. The hike has led to a loss of millions of subscribers, indicating a strong backlash from the gaming community. This shift raises concerns about the sustainability of the service's new pricing model.
Xbox Game Pass suffered a massive loss of millions of subscribers following a 50% price hike in October 2025. The significant increase, from a previously undisclosed base price, led to a substantial drop from its 35-38 million subscriber base. This move sparked widespread cancellation, prompting Microsoft to later reduce the price and remove Call of Duty in an effort to recover.
Xbox fans can expect a continuous flow of console exclusives beyond recently announced titles, according to a strategic planner at Microsoft. This move signals a long-term commitment to enhancing the Xbox ecosystem. The strategist emphasized that announced exclusives 'are not a one-off,' promising more to come.
