Tag: Microsoft

  • Halo Developers React to Trump ICE Post Comparing Immigrants to Flood

    Halo Developers React to Trump ICE Post Comparing Immigrants to Flood

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Trump administration used Halo imagery in a controversial way, featuring an AI-generated image of Trump as Master Chief and a Warthog in an ICE recruitment ad.
    2. The Department of Homeland Security’s ad referred to immigrants as the “Flood,” drawing backlash from Halo creators who found it offensive.
    3. Marcus Lehto, co-creator of Halo, criticized the DHS post as “absolutely abhorrent” and expressed disgust at the use of the game’s imagery.
    4. Jaime Griesemer, another key Halo developer, found the Trump meme funny but condemned the ICE ad, stating it mischaracterized the Flood.
    5. Diverging opinions emerged, with some supporting the ICE ad, like Marty O’Donnell, while the Halo subreddit lifted its political discussion ban in response to the situation.

    Earlier this week, the Trump administration showed interest in Halo’s Master Chief by releasing an AI-generated image of President Donald Trump dressed in Chief’s MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor, saluting the American flag. The Department of Homeland Security also featured a Warthog in an ICE recruitment advertisement, referring to immigrants as the “Flood,” which are aliens from the game.

    The official White House X account shared the image of Trump in Master Chief’s armor, wielding a Covenant energy sword, and included the caption “Power to the Players.” However, tensions rose when DHS posted the Warthog image with the phrases “Destroy The Flood” and “Finishing this fight,” along with a link for joining ICE.

    Reactions from Halo Creators

    Developers of Halo: Combat Evolved expressed their shock and talked to Game File about the situation. Marcus Lehto, who co-created the Halo franchise and served as the lead designer for Master Chief, labeled DHS’s ICE post as “absolutely abhorrent.” He added, “It really makes me sick seeing Halo co-opted like this.”

    Jaime Griesemer, who was the lead designer for Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, and contributed to Halo 3: ODST and Halo Reach, also joined the discussion. He found the Trump meme amusing, but criticized the ICE post, stating, “Using Halo imagery in a call to ‘destroy’ people because of their immigration status goes way too far, and ought to offend every Halo fan, regardless of political orientation… I find it despicable. The Flood are evil space zombie parasites and are not an allegory to any group of people.”

    Diverging Opinions

    In contrast, Marty O’Donnell, known for Halo’s iconic theme and also a Republican congressional candidate in Nevada, expressed support for the ICE advertisement. He tweeted, “When I win, I will ‘work with the Trump administration to destroy the Flood once and for all!’”

    As all this unfolded, the Halo subreddit decided to lift its “no politics or AI slop” rule, with one user commenting, “God, I’m so tired of the White House acting like an edgy 17-year-old.”

    Meanwhile, Microsoft has opted to stay quiet about the situation, which many find politically charged. A spokesperson told PC Gamer that “Microsoft does not have anything to share on this matter.”

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  • Xbox President: TikTok, Movies Now Compete with Halo on PS5

    Xbox President: TikTok, Movies Now Compete with Halo on PS5

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox is shifting focus to multiplatform gaming, aiming to connect with players across various platforms beyond consoles.
    2. Recent layoffs affecting over 9,000 employees are acknowledged as part of business management challenges.
    3. Former Xbox exclusives, including Grounded and Sea of Thieves, are now available on PlayStation, highlighting the multiplatform strategy.
    4. Upcoming releases include Microsoft Flight Simulator 2025 and Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved.
    5. Xbox’s shift to multiplatform gaming is linked to ambitious revenue targets, leading to layoffs, project cancellations, and increased Game Pass prices.

    Xbox’s president of Game Content and Studios, Matt Booty, recently had a chat with The New York Times, discussing Microsoft’s growing push into multiplatform gaming. This comes right after the announcement that the Halo Studio’s remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, now titled Halo: Campaign Evolved, will be available on PlayStation 5.

    Shifting Focus in Gaming

    During the interview, Booty noted how players today are less tied to specific consoles or platforms compared to past generations, when gamers typically identified with Xbox, PlayStation, or PC. He emphasized, “We are all trying to connect with people where they are. Our main competition isn’t just other consoles… We are increasingly competing with everything from TikTok to movies.”

    Challenges and Changes

    When the subject of recent layoffs, which have affected over 9,000 employees, came up, Booty offered a concise reply, saying, “Layoffs are tough. It’s a part of managing our business.”

    As Xbox continues its multiplatform strategy, former exclusives like Grounded and Sea of Thieves are now playable on PlayStation. In addition, other Xbox exclusives such as Stalker 2: Heart of Chernobyl, Forza Horizon 5, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have made their way to PlayStation 5 after previously launching on Xbox and PC.

    What’s Next for Xbox?

    Looking ahead, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2025 is set to release on December 8, 2025, along with the highly anticipated Halo: Campaign Evolved, the remake of the classic Halo game from 2001 using Unreal Engine.

    The Halo franchise has been a significant driver for Xbox sales across four console generations, reportedly bringing in over $10 billion in revenue and selling more than 81 million units worldwide. Halo 3 remains the best-selling game in the series, with nearly 14.5 million copies sold on Xbox 360.

    However, there are whispers that Xbox’s aggressive shift to multiplatform gaming is aimed at meeting its ambitious revenue targets. A prior Bloomberg report indicated that Microsoft asked its Xbox division for “30% accountability margins,” exceeding the industry average of 17% to 22%. These elevated revenue goals have reportedly contributed to the laying off of thousands of workers, the cancellation of many major projects across various studios, and increased prices for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service.

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  • Xbox Layoffs and Cancellations Linked to Microsoft’s 30% Profit Target

    Xbox Layoffs and Cancellations Linked to Microsoft’s 30% Profit Target

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft’s Xbox gaming division is under pressure to achieve a 30% profit margin, nearly double the industry average of 17% for 2024.
    2. The introduction of “accountability margins” by CFO Amy Hood aims to improve efficiency and profitability in the gaming division.
    3. The ambitious profit target has led to significant layoffs, with over 10,000 job cuts and multiple studio shutdowns in the gaming division.
    4. Major project cancellations have occurred, including the Perfect Dark reboot and Rare’s Everwild, due to the aggressive financial goals.
    5. Microsoft raised the price of Game Pass Ultimate to meet revenue targets, resulting in subscriber backlash and cancellations.

    Microsoft’s Xbox gaming division is facing a lot of pressure to achieve a 30% profit margin. This goal is nearly double the industry average of 17% for 2024, as set by company leaders in the fall of 2023. Such an ambitious target has led to significant layoffs, studio shutdowns, and canceled projects throughout the industry.

    Accountability Margins

    A Bloomberg report from October 23 revealed that Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood introduced the term “accountability margins” as part of a bigger push to improve efficiency in the gaming division. These profit goals are meant to make the division more profitable.

    This high benchmark, described by S&P Global Analyst Neil Barbour as something typically expected from very successful publishers, contrasts sharply with the division’s past performance. Leaked documents from the FTC in 2023 showed that Xbox only achieved 12% profit margins during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2022, with historical averages between 10% and 20% over the previous six years.

    Consequences of the Targets

    The impact of this aggressive target has been significant, leading to over 10,000 job cuts at Microsoft in early 2023. This situation worsened when Microsoft announced 1,900 layoffs within the gaming division in January 2024. By May 2024, the company had also shut down studios like Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog Games, and Roundhouse Games.

    In September 2024, another round resulted in 650 more layoffs. Then in July 2025, Microsoft revealed plans to cut an additional 9,000 jobs in the gaming division.

    Project Cancellations

    These drastic measures caused the cancellation of several major projects, including the Perfect Dark reboot, Rare’s Everwild, ZeniMax Online’s Project Blackbird, and Avalanche Studios’ Contraband.

    An Xbox spokesperson responded to the report by saying that “success doesn’t look the same across every project or priority,” acknowledging the diverse nature of gaming projects but not providing much information about the margin targets.

    Former Xbox executives, along with critics, have pointed out the “weird inner tensions” of Game Pass, where subscriber growth is often at the cost of retail revenue, putting more strain on profits.

    To reach their revenue targets, Microsoft raised the price of Game Pass Ultimate recently, but this decision has sparked backlash from subscribers and led to many cancellations.

     

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  • Microsoft Releases Urgent Update for All Windows 11 Users

    Microsoft Releases Urgent Update for All Windows 11 Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft issued an urgent update (KB5070773) to fix USB keyboard and mouse issues in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) after the October 2025 security update (KB5066835) disabled them.

    2. The problem affected Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and Windows Server 2025, limiting users’ ability to troubleshoot issues in WinRE.

    3. Users can obtain the fix via Windows Update or download it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

    4. The issue was specific to the recovery environment and did not impact the normal functioning of USB devices in regular Windows sessions.

    5. Microsoft’s quick response aims to prevent future interruptions to recovery tools and encourages users who rely on WinRE to update immediately.

    Microsoft has issued an urgent update to address a situation that left numerous Windows 11 users unable to utilize their USB keyboards and mice in the Windows Recovery Environment. This problem surfaced after the installation of the October 2025 security update, KB5066835, which accidentally disabled USB input devices while trying to access WinRE. The Windows Recovery Environment is essential for troubleshooting when the operating system fails to start properly. Without support for USB inputs, users found themselves unable to navigate repair tools, making it difficult to fix issues unless they had Bluetooth or PS/2-connected devices available.

    Details on the Update

    Microsoft acknowledged the problem on its Windows release health dashboard, stating that it impacted both Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, in addition to Windows Server 2025. To fix this issue, the company has rolled out the KB5070773 emergency patch, which restores complete USB functionality in WinRE. Users are encouraged to obtain this fix via Windows Update or by downloading it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

    Impact of the Issue

    The tech giant clarified that the problem was limited to the recovery environment and did not affect regular Windows sessions, where USB devices were still operational. They also indicated that the update is now fully available and aims to avert any future interruptions to recovery tools. This prompt resolution comes on the heels of several update-related challenges in recent months, but Microsoft’s swift action this time helped reduce the impact. If you frequently use the recovery environment for troubleshooting, it’s advisable to update right away to ensure your input devices function properly.

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  • Ex-Modern Warfare Director Warns Call of Duty May Lose Identity

    Ex-Modern Warfare Director Warns Call of Duty May Lose Identity

    Key Takeaways

    1. Concerns About Corporate Culture: Schofield worries that Microsoft’s corporate culture may clash with the creative teams behind Call of Duty, similar to issues seen in other franchises like Halo and Gears of War.

    2. Questions About Future Titles: He raised concerns about the fate of established franchises, noting that many valuable games have been neglected after being acquired by large corporations.

    3. Creative Talent Exodus: The departure of experienced staff from Call of Duty teams raises concerns about the franchise’s creative direction and quality, with Schofield highlighting his own exit and that of other key figures.

    4. Mixed Reception for Modern Warfare 3: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) received poor reviews despite being a top seller, indicating a disconnect between sales success and player satisfaction.

    5. Fear of Creative Stagnation: Schofield believes that the integration into Microsoft could lead to a loss of motivation and unique vision among developers, potentially harming the franchise’s future creativity.

    Sledgehammer Games co-founder Glen Schofield, who has previously directed several titles in the Call of Duty series, has shared his worries about the future of the franchise after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

    Concerns Over Corporate Culture

    In an interview with VGC at Gamescom Asia in Bangkok, Schofield highlighted potential mismatches between Xbox’s corporate culture and the creative teams involved in Call of Duty. He compared this situation to issues seen in other Microsoft-owned franchises like Halo and Gears of War, suggesting that these games have experienced downturns.

    Expressing his anxiety, Schofield said, “I worry about it immensely, I really do,” while referencing Microsoft’s past with established franchises as a cause for concern.

    Questions About the Future

    He raised questions like, “What’s happening to Gears of War, where’s Halo… you know what I mean? And look at EA, you look at these big companies, and I’m like, where are the Strike games? Where’s this game? And there are so many that just fall by the wayside.”

    Schofield elaborated on his worries about cultural assimilation, suggesting that once studios become part of a large corporation like Microsoft, they may lose their unique motivations and ambitions.

    He speculated that the attractive bonus system that has historically rewarded developers for Call of Duty’s success might be replaced by Microsoft’s more standardized pay structure. This, he believes, could lead to a decrease in motivation among the staff.

    Creative Talent Exodus

    He mentioned, “Unfortunately, once you’re assimilated by one of these companies, I think you take on some of their traits. The other thing is, I don’t know, but I would imagine that the Call of Duty bonus system is out, and now you have theirs, and people are going to go ‘that isn’t that’.”

    Schofield supported his fears regarding the franchise’s creative decline by pointing out the departure of experienced talent from the Call of Duty teams, including his own exit alongside co-founder Michael Condrey and longtime Treyarch designer David Vonderhaar, who left in 2023 after almost two decades.

    He criticized the quality of recent releases, stating, “I hate doing this, but since I left Sledgehammer, none of the games have been very good. I mean, the last one (Modern Warfare 3, 2023) was a 50. They still sell well. You know, that happens.”

    Mixed Reception for Modern Warfare 3

    Modern Warfare 3 (2023) received a Metacritic score of 56 and a generally unfavorable user score of 2.3 out of 10, with players expressing disappointment that they felt they were playing an expanded DLC rather than a standalone game. Yet, it was the best-selling game in the U.S. for November and December, finishing the year as the second best-seller behind Hogwarts Legacy.

    While Microsoft believes that the acquisition has improved Call of Duty’s reach via Game Pass and Cloud Gaming, Schofield worries about creative stagnation among key studios under Microsoft’s management.

    Reflecting on his own career, he mentioned:

    “I feel like I got lucky. I feel like I was at the heyday of EA during my time there. I mean, it was a who’s who working there. And then I got to Activision, where I made Modern Warfare 3 (2011).”

    Indeed, Modern Warfare 3 was the last Call of Duty to win Action Game of the Year, and the other two games he worked on were also nominated. However, he noted, “But now, you know, you don’t see them.”

    Conclusion

    Whether Schofield’s concerns will come to fruition is still uncertain, but his views about the future of Call of Duty reflect a growing unease among veteran developers, many of whom continue to work on the franchise today.

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  • Microsoft Unveils Copilot Actions for Hands-Free Windows 11 PCs

    Microsoft Unveils Copilot Actions for Hands-Free Windows 11 PCs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft introduces “Agentic AI” with Copilot Actions, enabling voice navigation of Windows 11 for a hands-free experience.
    2. Users can interact with their computers in everyday language to perform tasks like drafting emails or organizing files.
    3. Microsoft emphasizes user control, allowing users to monitor progress and intervene in tasks as needed.
    4. A new wake word, “Hey Copilot,” simplifies interaction with the assistant, supported by Copilot Vision for contextual understanding.
    5. Copilot features will be rolled out to all Windows 11 devices in phases, enhancing accessibility beyond just Copilot+ users.

    Microsoft is encouraging users to engage in conversation with their computer as it unveils one of the most ambitious updates for Windows 11. A new feature called “Agentic AI” named Copilot Actions will allow users to navigate the operating system (OS) using just their voice, offering a hands-free experience.

    A New Era of Interaction

    Windows 11 is evolving into “the computer you can talk to,” as Microsoft enhances the OS with more AI capabilities. With Copilot Actions, users can communicate with their computers in everyday language, allowing for interaction with apps, files, and online services.

    For instance, Copilot Actions can independently draft and send emails or arrange folders while users focus on other tasks. Progress updates will appear in the Copilot app, and the system will ask for user confirmation or intervention when needed.

    Simplifying Tasks with AI

    Yusef Mehdi, who is the Chief Marketing Officer for Microsoft Consumer, said, “Just explain the task you wish to accomplish in your own words, and the agent will work to finish it by interacting with both desktop and web apps. During this process, you can concentrate on different tasks. You can always take control of the task or check how it’s going, including what actions have been taken.”

    To start using Copilot Actions, users must enable it manually before it can connect with the Copilot app.

    New Features for Seamless Experience

    Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a new wake word, “Hey Copilot,” allowing users to bypass a few clicks to interact with the assistant whenever they want. This voice-activated feature is driven by Copilot Vision, which understands the context of what’s on the screen. A redesigned Taskbar will merge Copilot chat with the traditional Windows search.

    Microsoft plans to roll out these new Copilot features to all Windows 11 devices, not just those equipped with Copilot+. Some updates will be delivered to users in phases, starting today, while other Copilot Actions are set to enter preview shortly.

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  • Microsoft’s Illegal Student Tracking in 365 Education: Data Privacy Impact

    Microsoft’s Illegal Student Tracking in 365 Education: Data Privacy Impact

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft faces privacy issues in Europe after being found to have illegally tracked students using its 365 Education platform.
    2. The Austrian Data Protection Authority ruled that Microsoft did not provide students access to their personal data and shifted GDPR responsibilities onto schools.
    3. The ruling highlights violations of Article 15 of the GDPR, which requires clear information on data processing and sharing.
    4. Microsoft claims compliance with data protection standards but faces criticism for transferring responsibility to educational institutions.
    5. The case reflects broader concerns about how tech companies manage data from minors in educational settings, especially post-pandemic.

    Microsoft is currently dealing with a significant privacy challenge in Europe. This comes after Austria’s Data Protection Authority determined that the company “illegally” tracked students using its 365 Education platform. This decision was based on a complaint from the Austrian privacy group, noyb. They claimed that Microsoft did not allow students to access their personal data and pushed the responsibilities of GDPR onto schools.

    Background of the Issue

    The problem traces back to the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many schools adopted Microsoft 365 for online learning. With this shift to a digital platform, new privacy concerns emerged as student information was managed through a corporate cloud service.

    When students voiced concerns or sought access to their data, Microsoft directed them back to their respective schools. This was problematic since schools were only able to provide limited data information.

    Regulatory Findings

    The authority found that this method contravened Article 15 of the GDPR. It stated that Microsoft, acting as the data controller, is required to provide comprehensive information on how user data is processed and if it’s shared with outside parties.

    Furthermore, the Austrian authority instructed Microsoft to clarify certain technical phrases like “internal reporting,” “business modelling,” and “improvement of core functionality.” Additionally, national and federal education bodies were mandated to ensure similar transparency within a timeframe of ten weeks.

    Microsoft’s Response

    Microsoft asserted its compliance by stating, “Microsoft 365 for Education meets all required data protection standards,” and indicated it would review the ruling. Nevertheless, data protection attorney Max Schrems from noyb emphasized that this situation illustrates a wider problem. “Big Tech providers try to get all the power, but shift all responsibilities to European customers,” stated Schrems.

    The software giant also contended that its subsidiary in Ireland was in charge of 365 Education, claiming that jurisdiction lies there. However, the Austrian authority dismissed this argument, indicating that key decisions were made by Microsoft in the US.

    Conclusion

    This case underscores an escalating global issue regarding how large tech companies manage data collected from minors in educational environments, particularly after the pandemic, when a greater number of students rely on platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Classroom for remote learning. If the ruling is upheld, it could significantly alter the way technology companies handle data responsibilities within Europe’s educational landscape.

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  • Everwild Game Images Unveiled After Microsoft’s Cancellation

    Everwild Game Images Unveiled After Microsoft’s Cancellation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has canceled several games, including Everwild, leading to the shutdown of various studios.
    2. Everwild was announced in 2019 but faced slow development and management changes that affected its progress.
    3. The cancellation announcement went largely unnoticed, but recent images have sparked regret among some players.
    4. Screenshots reveal features like item collection and customization that were planned for the game.
    5. There is potential for another studio to revive Everwild in the future, so players should stay updated.

    In recent times, Microsoft has scrapped a number of games, which has led to the shutting down of various studios. One such game is Everwild, a title that now won’t be released. It was seen as the next major success for Xbox, as shown by the images disclosed in a recent report.

    Slow Development

    The game was introduced to the audience in 2019, but its development progressed quite slowly, with minimal updates from Rare studio. Several factors interrupted its advancement, including management changes in 2021 that resulted in shifts in the creative direction.

    Cancellation News

    The announcement regarding its cancellation often went unnoticed, yet the screenshots of the game might make some players feel regret over this decision. MP1st recently posted images of Everwild from a version that was near to the one that got canceled.

    The user interface displays six unique tabs: favorites, figments, tools, mosaics, seeds, and plants. This indicates that players could collect various items or creatures within the game, and it seems that decoration and customization features were also in the works.

    Characters and Settings

    Other visuals reveal characters seen in both trailers, along with different environments. Lastly, the character that players were meant to control can also be seen in these images.

    Some gamers may feel let down by the cancellation upon viewing these images. However, while no announcements have been made yet, it’s possible that another studio could revive this promising game in the future. Therefore, it’s important to stay tuned for any updates regarding this matter.

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  • New Workarounds for Bypassing Microsoft Local Account Restrictions

    New Workarounds for Bypassing Microsoft Local Account Restrictions

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is enforcing stricter measures for creating or logging into online accounts during the Windows 11 OOBE process.
    2. Many users prefer to skip online sign-in, especially those without internet access, and see little benefit in a Microsoft account.
    3. Reducing flexibility in account options could be viewed as a mistake by Microsoft.
    4. Workarounds to bypass local account limitations have emerged online shortly after the changes were announced.
    5. Users can still install Windows with a local account by downloading the previous Windows 11 24H2 build and then updating to the latest version.

    As we have mentioned before, Microsoft is implementing stricter measures in the new Windows 11 versions. This means that creating or logging into an online account is almost necessary during the out-of-box experience (OOBE). While Microsoft claims this will prevent users from “skipping important setup screens,” it may leave some feeling annoyed. Many users, especially those without internet access, often skip the online sign-in step. Moreover, they don’t see much advantage in having a Microsoft account. The flexibility that Windows used to offer was one of its best features, so reducing options might seem like a mistake from Microsoft’s point of view.

    New Workarounds Appear

    Just a day after this news, various methods to get around the local account limitations during OOBE started popping up on the internet. One method, shared by X.com user @TheBobPony, suggests that users should first disconnect their internet connection if they have one:

    Command-Based Solutions

    Another method, hinted at by @GreepTheSheep, involves creating a local user account using several commands, which can make the installation a bit quicker:

    It wouldn’t be surprising if Microsoft soon puts an end to most, if not all, of these bypass methods. However, for now, there is still an easy way for users to install Windows with a local account: by downloading the previous Windows 11 24H2 build and then updating to the newest version available.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Price Increase Confuses Subscribers with Emails

    Xbox Game Pass Price Increase Confuses Subscribers with Emails

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has raised prices for Game Pass tiers, with the Ultimate tier seeing a 50% increase starting October 1.
    2. Some subscribers in various regions received emails stating their prices would remain the same if they stay on a recurring plan.
    3. Users from countries like Austria, Germany, Italy, India, and South Korea reported similar messages about price stability.
    4. Subscribers from Spain, the UK, and France received notifications about the price increase without the promised 60-day advance notice.
    5. Retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart are still offering subscriptions at the old prices for now.

    Microsoft has faced criticism once again after it raised the prices for its Game Pass tiers starting from October 1, particularly the Ultimate tier, which experienced a significant 50% increase. Nevertheless, it appears that not all subscribers are impacted by these new prices. Users in different regions have reported receiving messages from Microsoft indicating their monthly fees will stay the same unless they choose to cancel their subscriptions.

    Emails from Microsoft

    This information was shared by Pure Xbox, which gathered a range of posts from the XboxGamePass subreddit. A subscriber from Poland mentioned they got an email from Microsoft saying that their pricing would not change if they remain on a recurring plan. However, if they opt to cancel and then re-subscribe, they will have to pay the higher price. The email also clarified that any future price increase would be communicated 60 days ahead of time.

    Mixed Responses from Various Regions

    Responses from users in places like Austria, Germany, Italy, India, and South Korea confirmed they received similar emails. In contrast, subscribers from Spain, the UK, and France noted they got a different kind of email (as reported by Resetera). This email informed them of the price increase for their current subscriptions. A Game Pass Ultimate user from one of these European regions shared their email, which specified that the new pricing would take effect on November 4. Interestingly, these users did not receive the 60-day advance notice.

    Price Changes in Canada

    Additionally, a subscriber located in Canada also received the email about the upcoming price hike for their Game Pass Ultimate plan.

    At the moment, it looks like some areas will be subjected to the price increase while others will not. It is hoped that Microsoft will soon clarify the situation and provide a list of regions that will incur the higher fees starting November 4. Meanwhile, some retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart, are still offering subscriptions at the old prices for the time being.

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