Xbox Game Pass under scrutiny: boycotts and player protests following mass layoffs

Indignation grows among the community after the closure of studies and layoffs at Xbox.

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Microsoft has made one of the most controversial moves in the industry in recent hours, with over 9,000 confirmed layoffs, many of which are focused on the Xbox division. The gaming community has begun to express its rejection in an organized manner, targeting the heart of the current model: Xbox Game Pass.

This is not the first time the company has made significant cuts, but the magnitude of the closures, along with the cancellation of projects like Perfect Dark, or the alleged closure of Turn 10, has sparked criticism. This time, many players have not limited themselves to lamenting: they have taken action, promoting mass cancellations of Game Pass as a form of protest.

Players cancel Xbox Game Pass as a pressure measure against Microsoft’s layoffs

Everything started on forums like ResetEra, where a user launched a thread titled “Cancel your Game Pass”. In it, not only the layoffs were denounced, but also the absolute priority that Microsoft seems to give to artificial intelligence and the subscription model, above its studios and the human talent that sustains them.

“They’ve made it clear that subscriptions are their top priority. So, we’re going to hit them where it hurts the most,” said one of the most voted messages.

The initiative quickly went viral. The thread has exceeded 700 responses, with hundreds of users claiming they have already canceled their Xbox Game Pass subscription. Some have even taken more drastic measures, getting rid of their consoles or eliminating other Microsoft ecosystem products:

“I canceled Game Pass, sold my Series X, and stopped using Windows. To hell with Microsoft!”, commented a user.

Although these reactions do not necessarily represent the bulk of the community, the movement has managed to generate conversation on social media, media, and other spaces. The image of Xbox as a player-centric brand has been affected at a time when the competition is also reorganizing, so it’s evident that there is discontent.

For now, Microsoft has not issued any official statement in response to these movements, as they are likely not too concerned. The debate is on the table, and it remains to be seen if the company decides to respond to this growing discontent or continues with its current strategy.