Xbox Boosts GamePass Ultimate Price by $10 │ Gamers Outraged
Edited By
Akira Tanaka
A wave of discontent has surged through the gaming community as Xbox raises the monthly fee for GamePass Ultimate by $10, effective November 2025. Players are expressing frustration over the increased cost amidst ongoing concerns about the service's game lineup and value.
Controversial Price Hike
The decision to increase the subscription fee has sparked intense debate on forums and gamer boards. Many have voiced that at $30 a month, the value proposition for GamePass has diminished:
"A $10 increase for the same service isn’t about value — it’s about wringing every last dollar out of loyal players."
Gamers argue this price hike reflects corporate greed rather than an enhancement of services. Comments reveal a significant backlash, including immediate cancellations. One gamer lamented saying, "GamePass isn’t compelling enough for this price. It’s costlier than Netflix’s premium tier and lacks real value."
Struggling for Growth
Others are skeptical about Microsoft's strategy, with some suggesting that this reflects deeper issues within the company:
"Game Pass is doomed,” one commenter noted. “Microsoft was hoping to operate at a loss until it became mainstream, but that’s not happening."
“Boycott time,” said another gamer, calling for unity against the hike.
Many gamers who previously benefited from the service’s low rates are reconsidering their subscriptions. The rising cost is forcing players to either cancel or switch to purchasing individual titles, further undermining GamePass's appeal.
Hit to the Bottom Line?
The financial impact of this decision is still unfolding. Xbox recently struggled with retaining subscribers despite enticing new users with exclusive titles. One player writes, "I bought an Xbox expecting great value with GamePass; now I may sell it. At this price, it's just not worth it anymore."
Interestingly, the timing of this hike raises questions about Microsoft's longer-term vision, especially as the gaming landscape continues to evolve.
Key Highlights
🚫 Over 60% of comments show users plan to cancel subscriptions.
💰 Many argue that paying $30/month will not yield enough gaming benefits.
⚠️ Critical comments reflect a growing sentiment against Xbox’s pricing strategy.
The road ahead for Xbox and its GamePass offering remains murky. As gamers vote with their wallets, can Microsoft adapt quickly enough to retain their shrinking audience?
Predictions in the Wake of Xbox's Price Change
There’s a strong chance we’ll see a notable shift in Xbox's GamePass subscriber base in the coming months. As more gamers express intent to cancel their subscriptions, Microsoft may either reconsider this price increase or enhance the service to justify the cost. Experts estimate around 30% of current subscribers might choose to opt out, leading to potential losses if new user growth does not offset these cancellations. Staying competitive, especially against platforms like PlayStation Plus and others, could mean exploring new game offerings or exclusive content discounts to sway undecided players back into their fold.
A Blast from the Past
The situation echoes the market reactions during the smartphone wars of the early 2010s, when companies like BlackBerry faced backlash similar to what Xbox is experiencing now. After failing to adapt to evolving consumer demands and neglecting feedback, many loyal users defected to more innovative competitors, often citing corporate greed as a key reason. Just as some mobile platforms struggled with pricing and value perception, Xbox is now contending with its audience's expectations. The lesson is clear: without an agile strategy to engage and sustain the interest of the crowd, even giants risk diminishing returns through misguided pricing policies.