Microsoft confirms a 50% increase in Day One releases for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

The subscription service takes a major leap in launches from day one.

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Microsoft wants to boost the value of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and will do so by significantly expanding its lineup of new releases. According to the company itself, subscribers to this plan will now have access to over 75 Day One games every year, which represents a 50% increase from last year.

In an informational session covered by The Verge, Dustin Blackwell, Xbox’s director of communications, explained that the company wants to maintain this pace over time. This isn’t a one-time measure for 2025, but a long-term strategy to justify the price hike of the Ultimate plan, which now stands at $26.99 per month.

More Day One Releases on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

The Ultimate plan has always been the most comprehensive Xbox Game Pass offering, with over 450 games on console, PC, and cloud, access to EA Play, and soon Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics. Now, all of that is supplemented by an even greater number of Day One releases, further strengthening the proposition.

Among the highlighted titles arriving in this way soon are Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, The Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and High on Life 2, all included directly in the subscription from their launch. This puts Game Pass in a very competitive position, as few other services offer as many high-profile annual releases. You can review more upcoming games for the service through the following link.

Evolving Day One Releases on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

The figure of over 75 Day One games per year initially seemed ambitious, but Microsoft insists it will be the norm from now on. The idea is clear: increase the value of the most comprehensive plan and strengthen its appeal in the face of the price increase.