Key Takeaways
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- Xbox Game Pass price increase from $19.99 to $29.99 has caused user backlash and technical issues, including the crash of the official cancellation page.
- Microsoft rebranded Xbox Game Pass tiers and added new features like cloud gaming, but the community expressed dissatisfaction with these changes.
- Call of Duty will no longer be included in the Premium plan, which has led some users to consider canceling or switching to more affordable plans.
- Microsoft continues to integrate Game Pass as a cornerstone of its Xbox strategy despite the challenges and user backlash, especially as console sales slow down.
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Increased Xbox Game Pass Prices Spark User Backlash and Technical Issues
Following Microsoft’s announcement of an Xbox Game Pass price increase, many subscribers rushed to cancel their subscriptions. This surge in traffic overwhelmed the official cancellation page, causing it to crash and remain inaccessible for several hours. Consequently, numerous players encountered errors and page loading issues, and some continue to report problems when attempting to cancel. The monthly price of the Ultimate plan increased significantly, jumping from $19.99 to $29.99—a 50% hike. Concurrently, Microsoft rebranded other Game Pass tiers: Core became Essential, and Standard was renamed Premium. Both new plans introduced additional features, such as cloud gaming, with Microsoft aiming to retain users through these enhancements and an expanded game library. However, the community expressed considerable dissatisfaction with these changes. Compounding the issues, Microsoft will no longer include Call of Duty in the Premium plan. While some players have opted to cancel their subscriptions entirely, others are opting to switch to more affordable plans rather than leaving the ecosystem altogether. These developments have sparked widespread discussion within the Xbox community. Despite the challenges and user backlash, Microsoft remains committed to integrating Game Pass as a cornerstone of its Xbox strategy, especially as console sales continue to slow.
In Case You Missed It
As we dive into the world of gaming subscriptions, it’s hard to overlook the recent changes at Xbox Game Pass. Bruno Pferd gives us a comprehensive look at Microsoft’s latest pricing overhaul on October 1st, exploring how the new Essential, Premium, and Ultimate tiers will reshape the landscape for gamers everywhere. With significant price increases on the horizon, especially with the Ultimate plan jumping from €17.99 to €26.99 per month, it’s a move that is sure to spark conversations among the community. For all the details, head over to our latest post and see how these changes might affect your gaming experience Xbox Game Pass: Spectacular Price Hike, Expect Outcry!. If you’re a gamer wondering about the latest changes to Xbox Game Pass and how they affect your favorite Call of Duty titles, be sure to check out Jonathan Dubinski’s article “Microsoft Blocks Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 from Xbox Game Pass Premium” (published on October 1, 2025). In this insightful piece, he delves into the new subscription tiers and highlights which plans include upcoming releases. Whether you’re sticking with the Premium plan or considering an upgrade to Ultimate, Jonathan’s breakdown is a must-read for all Call of Duty fans (Microsoft Blocks Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 from Xbox Game Pass Premium). If you’re interested in the evolving landscape of gaming hardware and retail trends, be sure to check out Bruno Pferd’s latest piece “Xbox Accounts for 13% of Console Sales in the UK” (published on October 1, 2025), where he dives into how Costco’s decision to stop selling Xbox consoles signals a significant shift towards digital formats among Xbox users. With Xbox consoles expected to make up just 13% of total console sales this year and only 6% of physical video game units sold in the UK, it’s clear that traditional retail support for Microsoft Gaming products is changing. Dive into the full article Xbox Accounts for 13% of Console Sales in the UK to learn more about these intriguing developments.
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