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Microsoft lowers Game Pass prices, drops Call of Duty from day-one offerings
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

Microsoft lowers Game Pass prices, drops Call of Duty from day-one offerings

Microsoft's subscription gaming service is reducing the price of Game Pass Ultimate from .99 to .99 per month and the PC Game Pass subscription from .49 to .99 per month. These changes are part of a global pricing strategy and will be reflected in the next billing cycle for current subscribers. New Call of Duty titles will no longer be available on Game Pass at launch but will be added during the subsequent holiday season. The price adjustment reduces the annual cost of Game Pass Ultimate from 4 to 0, saving subscribers . The total number of subscribers reached 34 million in early 2024.
PC and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions just dropped around the world—here are the new prices in Australia
AppWizard
April 22, 2026

PC and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions just dropped around the world—here are the new prices in Australia

Microsoft has adjusted its subscription pricing for PC and Xbox Game Pass, reducing prices from the increases implemented in October, but still above previous rates. New releases of Call of Duty games will no longer be available at launch on any Game Pass tiers, with access expected about a year later. The updated pricing for Xbox Game Pass in Australia as of April 2026 is as follows: - Xbox Game Pass Essential: n/a - Xbox Game Pass Premium: n/a - Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: AU.95 - PC Game Pass: AU.95 (previously AU.45) Recent additions to the PC Game Pass library include titles like Albion Online, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Replaced, Tiny Bookshop, Planet of Lana 2, and Super Meat Boy 3D. Subscribers can choose a month-to-month plan without long-term commitments.
Microsoft announces surprise Xbox Game Pass price cuts, ends day one Call of Duty inclusion — Ultimate down to $22.99 while PC Game Pass drops to $13.99
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Microsoft announces surprise Xbox Game Pass price cuts, ends day one Call of Duty inclusion — Ultimate down to $22.99 while PC Game Pass drops to $13.99

Microsoft has reduced the prices of its Game Pass subscriptions, with Game Pass Ultimate decreasing from .99 to .99 and PC Game Pass from .49 to .99 per month. This decision follows previous price increases in 2024 and a 50% hike in 2025, which resulted in many cancellations. Gamers interested in Call of Duty titles will face delays of about a year for new releases, but existing titles will remain available. The price reduction is part of a strategy under Asha Sharma, who recently took over the division.
12 years after the original and with its themes more relevant than ever, anti-war game This War of Mine is getting a full remake
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

12 years after the original and with its themes more relevant than ever, anti-war game This War of Mine is getting a full remake

11 Bit Studios is developing two new games: a new installment in the Frostpunk series and a reimagining of This War of Mine. The Alters has sold 545,000 copies, and Frostpunk 2 has sold nearly 880,000 copies. CEO Przemysław Marszał stated that the upcoming titles will not be remasters but will offer modern takes on the narratives. Creative director Michał Drozdowski emphasized the studio's commitment to unique artistic vision in its games. The reimagining of This War of Mine is particularly significant given its themes in the current global climate. 11 Bit Studios plans to launch Moonlighter 2 in 2026, with new downloadable content for Frostpunk and The Alters, while Frostpunk 1886 is expected to release around 2027 or 2028.
Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred review - Sanctuary is safe, but I'm conflicted
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred review – Sanctuary is safe, but I’m conflicted

Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred introduces a revamped endgame experience with eight distinct classes, including the new Warlock class, which combines spellcasting and summoning abilities. The narrative centers on the protagonist's relationship with Lilith and the threat posed by Mephisto, set against the backdrop of the visually striking region of Skovos, inspired by Grecian architecture. The game features enhanced customization options, improved class skill trees, and a new War Plans system that revitalizes the endgame experience. However, the overarching story is criticized for its pacing and character development, particularly regarding the Amazons and the reliance on Lilith. Despite these critiques, the campaign offers visually stunning boss encounters and a compelling soundtrack. The game raises questions about its future direction, with concerns about evolving into a live-service model.
Xbox Just Dropped The Price Of Game Pass Ultimate, But There's A Catch
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Xbox Just Dropped The Price Of Game Pass Ultimate, But There’s A Catch

Microsoft has reduced the monthly fee for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from .99 to .99 and for PC Game Pass from .49 to .99. Subscribers will lose immediate access to new releases of the "Call of Duty" series, which will now be available on Game Pass approximately a year after their initial release. Despite these changes, most aspects of the Game Pass services will remain unchanged, including day-one access to other gaming titles, online multiplayer capabilities, and in-game perks. The service has over 20 million users as of November 2022.
Microsoft says Windows 11 users do not need third-party antivirus software
Tech Optimizer
April 21, 2026

Microsoft says Windows 11 users do not need third-party antivirus software

Microsoft has introduced built-in antivirus software, Microsoft Defender, in Windows 11, which is active by default and continuously updated. Independent testing shows Defender achieving a score of 6 out of 6 from AV-Test and real-world protection rates between 98.5% and 100% from AV-Comparatives. The security features include real-time scanning, behavior monitoring, cloud-delivered protection, SmartScreen technology, Controlled Folder Access, and Smart App Control. Microsoft acknowledges that while Defender is sufficient for most users, third-party solutions may be necessary in enterprise environments. Windows Security benefits from automatic updates through Windows Update, providing continuous protection. Over 500 million Windows 11 users have received this updated guidance.
New Marathon update bolsters free kit meds, and solo runs are all the better for it
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

New Marathon update bolsters free kit meds, and solo runs are all the better for it

The latest patch from Bungie has enhanced the Standard Sponsored Kits in Marathon, increasing the quantity of meds they contain and expanding their stack size. Specifically, the stack size of Depleted Patch Kits and Depleted Shield Charges has been doubled from three to six. This change improves the supply of essential items and allows for more inventory space for high-value items. Additionally, Bungie has addressed several bugs and refined the radial menu's accuracy to prevent accidental actions, such as throwing a grenade instead of deploying a shield. These updates are expected to encourage more players to use free loadouts and create a more favorable environment for newer players.
Microsoft just made Game Pass cheaper, and it's all thanks to Call of Duty
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Microsoft just made Game Pass cheaper, and it’s all thanks to Call of Duty

Microsoft has reduced the monthly subscription price for Game Pass Ultimate from .99 to .99 and for PC Game Pass from .99 to .99. New releases of the Call of Duty franchise will no longer be available on the subscription service at launch, but will be added the following holiday season. Existing Call of Duty titles will remain accessible on the service.
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