Microsoft has recently announced a delay in the planned price increase for Xbox Game Pass, offering temporary relief to some existing subscribers in select countries.
This decision comes after significant backlash from the gaming community following the initial reveal of a substantial price hike for the popular subscription service.
Understanding the Xbox Game Pass Price Hike Delay
The delay, as reported by Dataconomy on October 8, 2025, applies only to certain regions and existing subscribers, while new subscribers may still face the updated pricing immediately.
Originally, the price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate was set to rise by as much as 50% in some markets, pushing the monthly cost to around $30 USD in certain regions.
Historical Context of Game Pass Pricing
Historically, Xbox Game Pass has been lauded as one of the best deals in gaming, offering access to hundreds of titles, including day-one releases, for a relatively low monthly fee.
However, since its launch in 2017, Microsoft has periodically adjusted pricing, often citing the need to sustain the service amidst rising operational costs and major acquisitions like Activision Blizzard.
Impact on Gamers and the Industry
The repeated price hikes have sparked concerns among subscribers about the long-term affordability of the service, with some fearing it could alienate casual gamers.
Industry analysts suggest that Microsoft’s strategy to delay the increase in select regions may be an attempt to mitigate subscriber loss while still pursuing revenue growth.
What Lies Ahead for Xbox Game Pass?
Looking to the future, Microsoft has hinted at adding more value to justify price adjustments, potentially through exclusive content or enhanced features for Ultimate tier subscribers.
However, without clear communication on which countries are affected by the delay or how long it will last, many gamers remain uncertain about their subscription costs in the coming months.
As the gaming landscape evolves, the balance between affordability and profitability will continue to challenge Microsoft’s approach to subscription services.
For now, affected subscribers can breathe a sigh of relief, but the broader conversation around the sustainability of services like Xbox Game Pass is far from over.
Andrew Lee
