Key Takeaways
1. Asha Sharma, the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, reassured fans of Xbox’s commitment to consoles amidst concerns about the brand’s direction.
2. There are plans to revamp pricing models for Xbox Game Pass, potentially introducing lower-priced tiers to attract a wider customer base.
3. Recent price hikes for Game Pass tiers include $29.99 for Ultimate and $14.99 for Premium, limiting access to new releases for some players.
4. A possible free, ad-supported option for Xbox Cloud Gaming and bundling Game Pass with other subscriptions are being considered to lower costs.
5. Microsoft is exploring partnerships beyond gaming, including discussions with Netflix, to enhance the Game Pass offering, although details are still in early stages.
Since Asha Sharma took the helm as the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, she has faced pushback about the brand’s direction. She reassured fans that the company is still devoted to Xbox consoles. According to a recent report from The Information, which is behind a paywall, Sharma might also tackle the controversial rise in Xbox Game Pass pricing.
Pricing Models Under Review
The tech site, known for its business insights, reports that, based on various sources, the CEO is thinking about “revamping pricing models to offer lower-priced tiers.” The aim is to broaden the appeal of Xbox consoles and the subscription service to reach a “wider variety of customers.”
In early October 2025, Microsoft revealed substantial increases in Game Pass prices. The Ultimate tier is now priced at $29.99 per month, while the Premium tier demands $14.99 every 30 days. This limits the number of players who can access new releases on launch day, though the PC tier remains unchanged for the time being. For those on a budget, there’s the $9.99 Essential option, but it offers even fewer benefits.
New Options on the Horizon
Lately, there have been whispers about a potential free, ad-supported option coming soon. However, it seems more likely that it would be a distinct Xbox Cloud Gaming service. Another approach to lower costs could involve bundling Game Pass with other subscriptions.
Not long after Sharma stepped into her position, Jez Corden from Windows Central shared some buzz regarding the future of Game Pass. One possibility mentioned is that fans of World of Warcraft might not need to pay for two separate subscriptions anymore. Similarly, services like Fallout 1st and Minecraft Realms could become less pricey for Xbox users.
Exploring New Partnerships
The company might also look into collaborations beyond the gaming industry. The Information indicated that Sharma has been in talks with Netflix CEO Greg Peters. However, any plans remain in the early stages, with Peters noting that Microsoft is still “figuring out how to make the Game Pass bundle work for Microsoft.”
Unfortunately, it’s uncertain if any new tier or bundle would provide the same value at a lower cost. Regardless, alongside a discount to promote console upgrades, Microsoft might find ways to make the Xbox Game Pass price hike more acceptable.
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