Price Adjustments for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Delayed in Select Regions
In a recent communication to consumers in Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland, and India, Microsoft has announced a temporary delay in the implementation of its planned price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. According to reports from The Verge, the anticipated 50 percent hike will apply only to new subscribers, ensuring that current members will not see an immediate change in their subscription fees.
Kari Perez, the Xbox communications chief, clarified the situation, stating, “Our recent Game Pass update remains unchanged. Current subscribers in certain countries will continue renewing at their existing price for now, in line with local requirements.” She further emphasized that advance notice would be provided before any price adjustments take effect in these regions.
This decision appears to be influenced more by local legislation than by a desire to accommodate consumer sentiment. Regulatory frameworks in various countries often dictate how subscription services are priced, which may explain the company’s cautious approach.
Last week, Microsoft undertook a significant restructuring of its Game Pass service, which included rebranding certain tiers and introducing price increases for both the Ultimate and PC tiers. The reaction from consumers has been overwhelmingly negative, highlighting the challenges the company faces in balancing pricing strategies with customer expectations.
