Microsoft has recently unveiled substantial revisions to its Xbox Game Pass service. These changes encompass increased prices, new names for its membership levels, and fresh perks for members. Specifically, Microsoft elaborated on how subscribers can access new Call of Duty titles via Game Pass. Several options exist, all of which are now more expensive, with one particular tier facing a significant delay for new Call of Duty game access.
To begin, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, now priced at $30 per month, grants immediate access to all new Microsoft first-party releases on their launch day, including upcoming Call of Duty entries such as this year`s Black Ops 7. This benefit remains consistent with previous offerings for Game Pass Ultimate.
Alternatively, PC Game Pass subscribers can also access new Call of Duty games, though this option has also seen a price increase. The monthly cost for this service has risen from $12 to $16.50, representing a 37.5% increase. While notable, this is less steep than the 50% price jump for Game Pass Ultimate.
However, those subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Essential and Premium (formerly known as Core and Standard) will not receive new Call of Duty games at launch. This policy aligns with previous arrangements and will continue. Microsoft`s detailed terms indicate that Premium subscribers will receive other new Xbox-published games “within a year of their launch,” but explicitly exclude Call of Duty titles from this benefit.
This exclusion is particularly noteworthy, considering Call of Duty`s status as a flagship franchise for Microsoft. It implies that titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will not be available on Game Pass Premium for a considerable period after their initial release.
While the Game Pass tier renamings and price adjustments are already active, Amazon currently offers a one-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription at the previous price of $20.