Xbox boss Dustin Blackwell has defended Microsoft’s decision to make Game Pass a lot more expensive.
Earlier this week, Microsoft announced it would be raising the price of all three Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers and changing benefits for users. Previously the most expensive Xbox Game Pass tier set players back £14.99 a month but Microsoft are now charging £29.99 for Ultimate.
“Our goal with Game Pass has been clear: deliver unmatched value, benefits, and a deep library of games for our players,” explained a blog post from Microsoft. “We know not everyone wants the same thing in their Xbox experience, so we’re evolving Game Pass to offer more flexibility, choice, and value to all players.”
As part of the “evolution” of Game Pass, more than 90 titles were added to the service but according to reports, Microsoft’s website crashed shortly after the announcement as players rushed to cancel their subscriptions.
choosing your way to play? this will help: https://t.co/6pRXMX9u4L pic.twitter.com/AdCJtBksYf
— Xbox Game Pass (@XboxGamePass) October 1, 2025
Speaking to The Verge, Microsoft’s Director of Gaming and Platform Communications Dustin Blackwell defended the price hike.
“We understand price increases are never fun for anybody, but we’re trying to reinforce by adding more value to these plans as well,” he explained. “It’s something we don’t take lightly, and we’re listening to the feedback of players and the community to try to provide them with more of what they’re asking for.”
For YEARS I would encourage people to jump on the gamepass for its enticing price point and stacked out library.
At this price point.. I’d be actively discouraging and recommending other options that are better suited to people’s income. Almost 300$ A YEAR for a subscription…
— 𝔏𝔬𝔞𝔷𝔅 × 𝔖𝔢𝔞𝔫 (@LoazB) October 1, 2025
According to Blackwell, Ultimate subscribers will get Day One access to 75 titles over the next 12 months. “That’s a 50 percent increase over the Day One titles we provided last year.” They’ll also get access to Ubisoft Plus Classics and, from November 18, Fortnite Crew as part of their package. “Those combined add about $28 a month in value to Ultimate subscribers,” Blackwell argued.
“I think only super users will actually get £30/ month value out of Game Pass. It no longer makes sense to me. It’s sad. I enjoyed it for a long time, but all good things come to an end, I guess,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “The value just isn’t there anymore to justify a 50 per cent increase,” added another.
Earlier this year, Microsoft confirmed a number of global price hikes for consoles and accessories but rolled back a planned increase on the cost of games following backlash.
In other news, an early access beta for Black Ops 7 went live yesterday (October 2) but Call Of Duty fans aren’t impressed with the latest entry in the long-running franchise.
The post Xbox boss defends making Game Pass more expensive: “We understand price increases are never fun for anybody” appeared first on NME.