Microsoft Considering These Major Changes To Game Pass After CEO Said It’s Too Expensive- Report
Microsoft Gaming’s new CEO Asha Sharma has publicly stated that Xbox Game Pass is “too expensive” for players, signaling a potential restructuring of the subscription service. In an internal memo reported by The Verge, Sharma acknowledged that while Game Pass is “central to gaming value on Xbox,” the “current model isn’t the final one.” She cited varying player behavior, content economics, and regional markets as reasons why a one-size-fits-all approach cannot work universally.
To address affordability concerns, Microsoft is exploring several options for restructuring Game Pass. One key proposal under consideration is introducing a new subscription tier that would exclusively feature first-party games from Xbox’s own studios, providing a more affordable entry point for players. Additionally, the company is investigating bundling strategies that could combine Game Pass with third-party services to enhance perceived value and create more flexible pricing tiers.
Sharma’s remarks represent an implicit acknowledgment that pricing has become a competitive weakness in the subscription gaming market. A former PlayStation executive has publicly questioned Microsoft’s efforts to revise Game Pass competitiveness, though specific criticisms were not detailed. The strategic pivot toward a more flexible, market-responsive approach reflects Microsoft’s recognition that player perception of pricing is critical to service adoption and retention.