Microsoft Strips Game Pass Discounts as Subscription Costs Rise

Microsoft is paring back benefits for its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, eliminating discounts on downloadable content and add-ons for popular titles including the latest "Call of Duty" installment. The move comes on the heels of a 50% price increase for the premium gaming service.

The change, first noticed by players during the beta test for "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7," removes the longstanding 10% discount Ultimate subscribers received on in-game purchases. The adjustment affects purchases of virtual currency and premium content across multiple major releases, including "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle," "Starfield" and "Forza Horizon 5," according to reports from gaming news outlet CharlieIntel and social media users.

Game Pass Ultimate Loses DLC Discounts After Price Hike

The pullback marks the latest reduction in subscriber perks following Microsoft's decision to raise the monthly price of Game Pass Ultimate to $29.99 from $19.99 on Oct. 1. The discounts had offered subscribers a modest offset against the growing cost of in-game content, including cosmetic items and weapon upgrades, that has become a significant revenue stream for Activision's "Call of Duty" franchise, which Microsoft acquired as part of its $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard last year.

Game Pass Ultimate remains the only subscription tier offering immediate access to major new releases like "Black Ops 7." Microsoft has also introduced a $14.99 Premium tier that provides access to some first-party Xbox titles within a year of release, though it excludes "Call of Duty" games entirely.

The changes have intensified scrutiny of Microsoft's gaming division as the company navigates pressure to extract greater returns from its substantial investments in game studios and content. The combination of higher subscription fees and reduced benefits has prompted some gamers to question whether the service still delivers adequate value, particularly as the company simultaneously adjusts pricing across its hardware and services portfolio.