Microsoft Gaming CEO Claims Game Pass Has “Become Too Expensive”

According to an internal memo obtained by The Verge, Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma reportedly expressed concerns that Game Pass is currently “too expensive for players.” “Game Pass is central to gaming value on Xbox. It’s also clear that the current model isn’t the final one. Short term, Game Pass has become too expensive for players, so we need a better value equation. Long term, we will evolve Game Pass into a more flexible system, which will take time to test and learn around,” the memo reads. Sharma is also reportedly planning to “go deeper” with employees next week regarding current plans for the service.

Windows Central’s Jez Corden said in a recent episode of The Xbox Two Podcast, that he has heard rumors that Call of Duty may be removed from Game Pass this year. “It’ll be interesting to see if they take Call of Duty out of Game Pass this year, which is a possibility from what I’ve heard,” said Corden, responding to a comment suggesting that Xbox may prioritize “more niche and PC-focused” titles in its strategy going forward.