Microsoft has confirmed that the recent Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price increase won’t impact existing subscribers in several countries — at least, not yet.
Last week, Microsoft raised the cost of its top-tier subscription service by up to 50%, sparking widespread criticism from gamers. However, the company clarified that the new prices currently apply only to new subscribers in specific regions.
“At this time, these increases will only affect new purchases and will not affect your current subscription for the market in which you reside, as long as you are on an auto-recurring plan,” Microsoft said in an email to affected users. “Should you choose to cancel your plan and repurchase, you will be charged at the new current rate.”
Microsoft Confirms Details to The Verge
In a follow-up statement
to The Verge, Kari Perez, Head of Xbox Communications, reiterated that existing subscribers in certain markets will continue renewing at their current price in accordance with local laws.
“Our recent Game Pass update remains unchanged. Current subscribers in certain countries will continue renewing at their existing price for now, in line with local requirements. We’ll provide advance notice before price adjustments take effect in these countries,” Perez stated.
Which Countries Are Exempt From the Xbox Game Pass Price Increase?
According to Microsoft, the countries currently unaffected by the Game Pass Ultimate price hike include:
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- South Korea
- Poland
- India
Notably, the United States and the United Kingdom are not included in this list.
Industry analysts suggest this exemption may be tied to local regulations governing subscription pricing. Microsoft’s email also confirms that subscribers will receive at least 60 days’ notice before any future changes, meaning existing users in those regions are safe from higher fees for at least two more months.
Why Did Microsoft Raise Game Pass Prices?
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price hike comes amid a broader restructuring of Microsoft’s subscription tiers, despite the company posting record revenues from Game Pass subscriptions last year.
Some critics, including a former chair of the FTC who previously opposed Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, argue that the move shows the tech giant has grown “too big to care” about consumer backlash.
Is Xbox Game Pass Still Worth It?
While the “Best Deal in Gaming” slogan is being put to the test, Xbox Game Pass remains one of the most comprehensive gaming subscription services available — though its rising cost may prompt players to reconsider whether it’s still worth the price.
