Microsoft responds to Xbox Game Pass price hike: “It’s never fun

The director of communications at Microsoft acknowledges the impact of the increases and promises more value in each plan.

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The recent restructuring of Xbox Game Pass, which has brought new subscription levels and a price increase, has sparked a lot of debate in the community in recent hours. Many users have expressed their doubts and complaints, while others have pointed out that the service remains one of the most comprehensive proposals in the sector.

In this context, Microsoft has come out to explain its position. In an interview with The Verge, Dustin Blackwell, director of game and platform communications at the company, acknowledged that “price increases are never fun”, ensuring that the team is aware of the situation and is working to compensate for the changes with more benefits for players.

Microsoft promises more value in each Game Pass level

Blackwell pointed out that these price increases were not taken lightly and that the company is working to strengthen the service:

We understand that price increases are never fun for anyone, but we’re trying to reinforce them by adding more value to these plans as well. It’s something we don’t take lightly, and we’re listening to player feedback and the community to try to offer them more than they’re asking for.

With the arrival of the new Essential, Premium, and Ultimate plans, Xbox ensures that it will offer more games and benefits than ever. Among the most notable new features are the integration of Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew in Ultimate, the increase in Xbox Rewards benefits, and the expansion of the catalog with Day One releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 or Ninja Gaiden 4.

In any case, Microsoft’s message is clear: the price increase aims to be accompanied by real improvements in the service, so that players perceive that the investment remains worthwhile compared to the competition. We’ll see if this move works for them in the long run, but for now, this is what they’ve proposed, and only time will tell if they’re right or wrong.