Xbox founder has recently discussed the Game Pass price hikes, describing them as a betrayal of fans and “greed over gaming”.
For those unaware, at the beginning of October 2025, Microsoft announced that Game Pass Ultimate’s price would be raised by 50% and that its tier features would change. The players have definitely not taken this move well, given that Xbox console prices were increased just last month. Now, the Xbox founder has shared their views on the Game Pass price hikes.
Game Pass Price Hikes Are “Shattering the Brand and Alienating Loyal Fans”
Xbox founder Laura Fryer recently released a YouTube video (via WCCFtech) discussing the recent Game Pass price hikes. Fryer immediately called out the leadership, stating that she doesn’t know whether they understand “what makes Xbox great”. Fryer isn’t sure if the leadership is aware of what the community wants, as they keep “doubling down on decisions” that make it seem they are in a bubble where the “feedback doesn’t reach them anymore.”
Fryer adds, “That yes man culture that took over in 2008 has only gotten worse, and this is the result, a crazy price increase for their fans after announcing that Game Pass had made $5 billion.” She talks about how Xbox has failed to keep content costs stable and the leadership has forgotten “how to make games at scale”, which has led to many layoffs and cancellations.
The Xbox founder talks about how Xbox has thrown away one of its last advantages by increasing Game Pass prices, which had been “the best deal in gaming”. The price hike “feels like a betrayal, like greed over gaming”.
In other news, Microsoft recently addressed rumors surrounding the future of the Xbox consoles. Additionally, not all subscribers will be hit by the Game Pass increase. Do you agree with the Xbox founder’s views on the Game Pass price hike? Let us know through the official Insider Gaming forums discussion.
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