Microsoft Cuts Xbox Game Pass Prices and Removes Day-One Call of Duty

Starting April 21, 2026, Microsoft reduced the monthly subscription prices for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. In the United States, the Ultimate tier dropped from $29.99 to $22.99, while PC Game Pass decreased from $16.49 to $13.99. Similar reductions were implemented in the United Kingdom and South Africa. This move follows a price increase in October 2025 and a leadership transition where Asha Sharma succeeded Phil Spencer as CEO of the gaming division.

As a trade-off for lower costs, Microsoft removed day-one access for new Call of Duty titles. These games will now join the library approximately one year after launch, typically during the following holiday season. This shift aims to recover revenue after reports indicated that day-one access cost the company an estimated $300 million in sales last year.

Under Sharma's leadership, the company is pursuing a more flexible subscription strategy. Microsoft is considering a "pick-your-own-plan" model that would allow users to customize their costs by adding or removing features like Xbox Cloud Gaming or the Fortnite Crew pass. Additionally, Microsoft and Discord Inc. partnered to launch a Game Pass "Starter Edition" bundled with Discord Nitro. This new tier provides access to over 50 games and 10 hours of cloud gaming per month, aligning with Sharma's goal to establish a better value equation for players.