Xbox Game Pass prices could change in the future, according to an internal memo from Microsoft Gaming CEO Ash Sharma that was leaked and posted on social media. While any Xbox Game Pass price change is unlikely to happen quickly, Sharma's words could signal that Microsoft is at least considering it.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers are regularly offered a variety of games on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs to play, including Day One Game Pass releases from Microsoft and its various developer studios. The Xbox Game Pass offers a range from classic JRPGs such as Final Fantasy IV to cozy indie games like A small bookstore. Xbox Game Pass is available in four different subscription tiers, starting at $9.99 per month for the Xbox Game Pass Essential tier and up to $29.99 per month for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
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Xbox boss Asha Sharma says Xbox Game Pass is 'too expensive'
Months after Xbox Game Pass Ultimate underwent a $10 price hike, the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming has expressed his desire to change prices again. In a leaked internal memo to Xbox employees (first reported by The Verge ), Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma said, “In the short term, Game Pass has become too expensive for players, so we need a better value equation.” Sharma added that a possible long-term solution for Xbox Game Pass would be to evolve it “into a more flexible system that will take time to test and learn.” Sharma went on to say in the memo that she will discuss the matter further with other Xbox employees next week, though any potential Xbox Game Pass pricing changes are unlikely to be implemented immediately. It's also unclear how much Xbox Game Pass pricing might change, and whether any perks will be mixed in to compensate.
Sharma's latest comments come just months after she took over as CEO of Microsoft Gaming following the retirement of Phil Spencer. Sharma has previously acknowledged the demand for more Xbox-exclusive games, despite Microsoft's efforts to branch out and release games like Halo: Campaign Evolved and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5 consoles. In response to one such request on social media, Sharma simply replied, “I heard you.” With Xbox's next home console, Project Helix, still in active development, it remains to be seen how much Microsoft will focus on releasing exclusive games for it.
Xbox Game Pass changes are likely to come in some capacity
The news from Sharma came just days after rumors of Call of DutyThe possible removal from Xbox Game Pass has been making the rounds on social media. According to Jez Corden, reports said a 2026 release was possible Call of Duty could skip Xbox Game Pass entirely, which would be a blow to Xbox Game Pass subscribers. WITH Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Available as a Day One Game Pass title, the move cost Microsoft hundreds of millions of dollars in lost game sales. However, it is currently unclear whether Microsoft will abandon this potential plan.
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Regardless of whether there are any major changes to Xbox Game Pass in 2026, Microsoft's subscription service is still full of a variety of games for players to try out. With a packed slate of April 2026 releases on Xbox Game Pass, time will tell what steps Microsoft takes to benefit both its users and its bottom line.
