Xbox Game Pass Price Hike Leaves Players Divided
Microsoft’s recent move to raise the price of Xbox Game Pass has left the global gaming community torn between frustration and reluctant understanding. What was once seen as the most affordable way to access hundreds of games has now become a topic of heated debate. The new pricing for Game Pass Ultimate has climbed from $19.99 to $29.99 per month, a 50 percent increase that many fans say feels too steep.
According to The Verge, Microsoft confirmed the new pricing would roll out globally, affecting both console and PC users. The change also comes with a restructuring of the subscription model, splitting it into Game Pass Standard, Game Pass Core, and Game Pass Ultimate tiers. This means the once-simple service now feels more segmented, leaving some long-time players wondering whether they’re still getting good value.The price adjustment follows months of speculation about Microsoft’s growing investment in studios and cloud gaming infrastructure. Reports from Reuters suggest that rising operational costs and global tariffs are contributing factors. Yet many players argue that this change feels poorly timed. With no new blockbuster exclusives in recent months and major titles like Fable and Avowed still months away, the hike feels like paying more for the same experience.
How the Community Reacted
On social media and Reddit, the backlash was immediate. Threads on r/Xbox and r/Gaming are filled with users announcing subscription cancellations and voicing frustration over how Microsoft handled the announcement. One top comment read, “We supported Game Pass from day one because it felt gamer-first. Now it feels like any other subscription trying to squeeze us.”
Some players, however, are defending the change. They argue that Game Pass still offers strong value compared to buying new releases individually. A few users pointed out that even with the new pricing, services like EA Play and Ubisoft+ cost more for smaller libraries. Industry observers at Polygon note that this debate reflects a shift in perception — from Game Pass being a bonus feature to being a premium ecosystem that gamers are now expected to invest in long term.
Still, the tone across most communities remains skeptical. Microsoft’s defense that “price increases are never fun for anybody,” as quoted by Pure Xbox, did little to calm users who feel the company could have handled the communication better. Many are demanding more transparency on how the added cost translates into improved service.
Impact on Indian Gamers
In India, where Game Pass Ultimate already sits at around ₹829 per month, the global. adjustment could push it above ₹1,000. For many casual players that crosses the line of affordability. Rising console and hardware costs have already made gaming a high-end hobby. A price increase in subscription services further adds to the pressure.
Indian gamers on social platforms have begun discussing alternatives like buying individual digital titles on sale, sharing Game Pass access within friend groups, or trying short-term console rentals for exclusive games. The sentiment is clear gamers want flexibility without long-term financial commitment.
Why Choose Craving for Gaming
At Craving for Gaming, we make gaming flexible again. When subscriptions and console prices go up, we offer access without ownership. Through our console rental service, you can enjoy top-tier Xbox titles for a few days or a full month without subscribing to the costly GamePass plan. Our setups come ready with popular multiplayer and single-player games, perfect for home play or corporate events.
We also provide custom gaming lounge experiences across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad, where you can try new games before committing to a subscription. Whether it’s Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, or Starfield, we keep your experience smooth and affordable. To explore more, check our blogs Why Renting Is Better Than Buying for Gamers and CFG Console Rentals – Play, Chill, Repeat.
The Xbox Game Pass price hike might be a sign of bigger changes in the industry. Gaming subscriptions are evolving, but not everyone is ready for higher costs. While Microsoft bets on premium tiers and cloud integration, many players are now looking for smarter, more flexible options. That’s exactly where Craving for Gaming fits in giving gamers control over how and when they play.