In response to considerable feedback, Microsoft has reduced the pricing for Game Pass and has decided to remove Call of Duty from the list of titles available at launch on the first day.

Microsoft's Xbox division has announced a reduction in pricing for its high-tier Game Pass subscription service. This alteration comes in light of remarks from Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma, who indicated the service was "too expensive for players." Sharma reiterated this sentiment on X when revealing the adjustment.

According to a statement on Xbox Wire, the cost of Game Pass Ultimate will be lowered from $29.99 monthly to $22.99, whereas the PC Game Pass will decrease from $16.49 to $13.99 per month. New editions of Call of Duty will be made available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass about a year post-launch, while existing titles will stay within players' libraries.

The price cut partially counters the 50% increase imposed in October 2025, where prices were previously set at $19.99 for consoles and $11.99 for PCs.

The company noted the diversity in its player base’s preferences and stated the pricing shift is based on feedback received, highlighting ongoing efforts to adapt. "Our players cover a wide breadth of geographies, preferences, and tastes," it mentioned.

Despite the change, customers buying Call of Duty along with a year subscription to Game Pass Ultimate will experience minimal financial relief, essentially covering the annual game fee of $69.99. Call of Duty was first integrated into the Game Pass lineup in 2024, leading to a surge in subscriptions with the introduction of Call of Duty Black Ops 6. However, Black Ops 7 in 2025 saw reduced sales, attributed to indifferent reviews, prompting a revision in Microsoft's release tactics for Call of Duty series.

Microsoft's latest financial update reveals a 5% drop in revenue from games-related content and services, linked to weak performance from its primary offerings. Additionally, there was a notable 32% decline in hardware revenue when compared to the previous year.

Sharma also communicated an intention to transform Game Pass into a more agile platform, aiming to refine and adapt given sufficient time.

Game Pass, originally emphasized under former Xbox head Phil Spencer, is perceived to be underperforming as subscription numbers stopped being disclosed in 2022. Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard in 2022, costing $75.4 billion, highlights the pressure surrounding inclusions like the Call of Duty series.

This story is evolving and updates will follow.