Xbox is making Game Pass cheaper but changing how Call of Duty shows up

Microsoft is shaking up its Xbox Game Pass subscription service with a major price cut-but it's not all good news for fans. In a move announced Monday, the company confirmed it's lowering the monthly cost of Game Pass for Console, PC, and Ultimate tiers. At the same time, it's changing how new Call of Duty games are added to the service. Instead of arriving on day one, new entries in the blockbuster franchise will now be held back for about a year after release.

The shift comes under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who took the helm earlier this year. In a statement, Sharma said the subscription model had become too expensive to maintain at its current pace. "We've heard loud and clear that Game Pass has become too costly for too many players," she said. "Our goal is to keep the service sustainable while still delivering great value." The price reductions, which vary by region and plan, are meant to make the service more accessible, especially as competition from PlayStation Plus and other platforms heats up.

Call of Duty has long been one of Game Pass's biggest draws. For years, Microsoft ensured that new releases like *Modern Warfare III* and *Black Ops 6* landed on the service the same day they launched-often seen as a major win for subscribers. But that perk is now on pause. While Microsoft didn't rule out future day-one releases entirely, it confirmed that the next mainline title will follow the new delayed rollout.

Still, the company emphasized that older Call of Duty games will continue to be added. Fans hoping to revisit classics like *World at War* or *Modern Warfare 2* (2009) shouldn't lose hope. The broader library remains a priority, and Microsoft said it's working with Activision to expand archival access over time.

The changes have sparked mixed reactions. Some players appreciate the lower price and see the delay as a necessary trade-off. Others worry it signals a retreat from Microsoft's original promise of "games on day one." There's also concern that limiting access to one of gaming's most popular franchises could weaken Game Pass's long-term appeal.

Behind the scenes, the move reflects broader financial pressures. While Game Pass has millions of subscribers, the cost of licensing major titles-and developing first-party content-has grown. By adjusting the economics, Microsoft may be positioning Game Pass for a more stable future, even if it means giving up some short-term perks.

For now, the focus is on balance: keeping the service affordable while still offering enough to keep players subscribed. Whether that formula works will depend on how fans respond to the new pricing-and how long they're willing to wait for the next big shooter.