- Possible changes to current Xbox Game Pass prices in near future.
- Asha Sharma’s statement on current state of Xbox Game Pass.
- Xbox Game Pass changes and rumors, what games may go and come.
The biggest question gamers have with Xbox Game Pass is that the service has gotten to be too expensive. This concern has now been echoed by Asha Sharma, Microsoft’s new Gaming Chief, leading to speculation that a price decrease could be happening sometime soon.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Says Xbox Game Pass Is “Too Expensive”
Months after Xbox Game Pass Ultimate underwent a $10 price hike, the new Microsoft Gaming CEO has stated a desire to change the prices once again. In a leaked internal memo to Xbox employees, Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma said, “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 which will take time to test and learn around.”
Sharma further stated in the memo that she would discuss the matter further with other Xbox staff members next week, though it is unlikely that any potential Xbox Game Pass price changes will be immediately implemented. It is also unclear to what extent Xbox Game Pass prices could change and if any benefits will be shuffled around to compensate.
New Xbox boss Asha Sharma says Game Pass has become ‘too expensive’ 🎮
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) April 13, 2026
“Game Pass has become too expensive for players, so we need a better value equation … we will evolve Game Pass into a more flexible system”
(via @verge) pic.twitter.com/CdY4HdUBdJ
Sharma’s latest comments came just a few months after she took over as Microsoft Gaming CEO following the retirement of Phil Spencer. Sharma previously acknowledged the demand for more Xbox console-exclusive games, despite Microsoft’s efforts to branch out and put games like Halo: Campaign Evolved and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5 consoles. In response to one such demand on social media, Sharma simply replied, “Heard you.” Given that Xbox’s next home console, Project Helix, is still in active development, it remains to be seen how much focus Microsoft will put into releasing exclusive games for it.
Xbox Game Pass Changes And Rumors
The memo from Sharma came just days after rumors about Call of Duty‘s possible removal from Xbox Game Pass made the rounds on social media. It is possible that the 2026 edition of 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 has cost Microsoft hundreds of millions of dollars in lost game sales. However, it is currently unclear if Microsoft will renege on this potential plan
Many Players Were Not Happy With The Pricing Structure
Players were not happy about increased pricing, though Microsoft tried to soften the blow by adding perks to the service. Ultimate subscribers became eligible to earn up to $100 per year in Xbox Store credit with an updated Rewards program. Special discounts, including select Game Pass games being marked up to 30% off, were also added. The company also touted the expanded catalogue to further justify the price. Still, even after the passing of several months, gamers continue to frequently criticize Xbox Game Pass for its prices.
Whether or not any significant changes are made to Xbox Game Pass in 2026, Microsoft’s subscription service is still loaded with various games for players to try out. With a loaded April 2026 release slate on Xbox Game Pass, time will tell what moves Microsoft will make to benefit both its users and its bottom line.
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