Microsoft Postpones Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Increases for Select Users

Microsoft Delays Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Hikes for Existing Subscribers in Select Countries

Microsoft has decided to hold off on increasing the price of its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for existing subscribers in certain countries. Following the announcement of a 50 percent price hike for Game Pass Ultimate last week, Microsoft has now stated that this increase will only apply to new purchases and not impact current subscribers in markets such as Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland, and India.

In an email sent to some Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, Microsoft clarified that the price increase will not affect existing subscribers as long as they are on an auto-renewing plan. However, if a subscriber chooses to cancel their current plan and then repurchase, they will be charged at the new rate.

Microsoft has confirmed the authenticity of the email to The Verge and noted that this change does not impact subscribers in the US or UK. Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, stated that current subscribers in certain countries will continue to renew at their existing price for now, in compliance with local regulations.

Subscribers in countries like Poland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, and South Korea have reported receiving the email notification about the price adjustments.

The decision to delay price increases in these countries is likely due to local regulations governing subscription price changes. Existing subscribers will be given at least a 60-day notice before any price adjustments take effect, ensuring that changes will not be implemented for at least two months.

This recent development represents a shift from Microsoft’s initial announcement last week. Dustin Blackwell, director of gaming and platform communications at Microsoft, previously stated that the updated pricing would apply to new subscribers starting October 1st and to current subscribers in the following billing cycle, likely November 4th.

Update, October 7th: Article updated with comment from Microsoft.