Microsoft Gaming Chief Criticizes Xbox Game Pass Pricing
Microsoft’s new Xbox Head, Asha Sharma, has indicated a forthcoming change in the pricing structure of Xbox Game Pass. In a recent internal communication, she acknowledged that the current pricing is perceived as excessive by players, which calls for a “better value equation.”
Concerns Over Xbox Game Pass Pricing
Sharma emphasized the importance of Game Pass to the Xbox ecosystem, stating, “Game Pass is central to gaming value on Xbox.” However, she noted that the existing pricing model is not sustainable long-term. “Short term, Game Pass has become too expensive for players, so we need a better value equation,” she wrote.
Previous Price Hike and Its Impact
In 2022, Microsoft increased the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $29.99 per month, representing a 50 percent rise. Although the company justified this increase by highlighting enhancements across its Game Pass tiers, the move has negatively impacted its subscriber base.
- Price hike: $29.99 per month for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- Percentage increase: 50%
Part of this price surge stemmed from incorporating popular titles, like Call of Duty, into the Game Pass subscription. Microsoft and its executives had previously debated the implications of this inclusion, especially regarding sales revenue for standard editions of Call of Duty.
Future of Call of Duty in Game Pass
Recent discussions suggested that Microsoft might reconsider the inclusion of Call of Duty in Game Pass. Jez Corden from Windows Central hinted that the game could be removed from the service this year. He stated, “If they take Call of Duty out of Game Pass this year… it will possibly reveal some of the cracks in the strategy.”
Sharma’s Commitment to Listening to Feedback
Sharma acknowledged the ongoing conversations surrounding the Game Pass pricing structure, assuring employees she would delve deeper into these topics in upcoming discussions. While immediate changes to Game Pass pricing are unlikely, her awareness of the issues suggests that adjustments may be on the horizon.
