[Update: the rumor has been proven true. Read the full Xbox announcement here for more details.]
Game Pass has been Microsoft’s major investment into its gaming future amidst declining console and physical game sales as Sony and Nintendo take over. However, a new rumor is alleging that Microsoft are going to make some considerable changes to their Game Pass service, along with a steep increase to its price.
The rumor comes from ResetEra, but it seems to be quite a strong one with its sources. Firstly, it was shared by a moderator on the site, who states they are no insider but they do know “super reliable people” within the industry and this specific person they’re quoting has been right in the past. Additionally, well-known insider to the industry Shinobi602 weighed in on the thread and added further details that seem to further raise the likelihood of its potential legitimacy.
According to the insiders, Game Pass will be shaken up a few key ways. Firstly, there will be no PC Game Pass any longer, instead being integrated into all other Game Pass tiers. There will be three tiers – Essential, Premium and Ultimate, with only the Ultimate tier having access to day one game releases such as the recent Hollow Knight: Silksong. The new Ultimate tier was originally stated by the moderator to have a $25 price tag, but insider Shinobi602 went on to confirm it’s “more than that”. Allegedly, this increase may be delayed to 2026.
Also coming next year, should this rumor be proven correct, is a cheaper ad-based tier for Game Pass along with a streaming-only free (or very cheap) tier that will have time limitations and mandatory ads. These are incredibly large changes to the current Game Pass model, with the biggest headline potentially being an enormous monthly fee for Game Pass Ultimate.
Just to add further fuel to the fire, Microsoft Rewards will no longer allow users to redeem their points on Xbox Game Pass subscriptions starting from today on October 1. Players can only redeem their points on Xbox gift cards which can then discount from the monthly Game Pass fee, rather than directly claiming a free tier to the subscription service. These big alleged Game Pass changes would explain why Microsoft so suddenly revoked this reward option, being in preparation of the new Game Pass. It’s not an outright confirmation, but it’s more evidence towards the claims.
How do you feel about the rumored changes to Microsoft’s Game Pass service? Let us know in the comments down below, and keep your eyes on GameLuster for more breaking gaming news and Game Pass coverage.
