Update 2:50 pm EST: Microsoft has confirmed that some users will not be impacted by the Xbox Game Pass price hike just yet. In a statement first provided to The Verge, Xbox’s head of communications Kari Perez said that “certain countries” will continue to renew at their current rate.
“Our recent Game Pass update remains unchanged,” she said. “Current subscribers in certain countries will continue renewing at their existing price for now, in line with local requirements. We’ll provide advance notice before price adjustments take effect in these countries.”
Perez didn’t give details regarding which countries won’t see an increase. However, what’s clear is that this is only a temporary stay before the prices jump. The same statement was then provided to Insider Gaming from a different Microsoft spokesperson.
Original: On October 1, Microsoft announced that it was raising the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate by 50%. Now, less than a week later, news is coming out that not all subscribers will be subject to the price increase.
According to emails being sent out to Xbox Game Pass members within the European Union (EU) and other countries, the price increase from €18 to €27 will only be for new members and those who don’t have auto-renewal enabled.
“Recently, you may have heard about changes to Xbox Game Pass subscription prices,” the email reads. “At this time, these increases will only apply to new purchases and will not affect your current subscription in your region, as long as you are on an auto- recurring plan.
“Should you choose to cancel your plan and repurchase, you will be charged the new current rate. If for any reason there may be changes to your existing account, we will notify you at least 60 days in advance and you will have the option to cancel or change your subscription plan at any time.”
After the emails went out, you’ve had many take to Reddit to confirm that they received the same message.
“Same with PC Gamepass in Germany, signed up for it when it was 9,99€, still paying 9,99€ after the increase to 11,99€ and got an email that the price will remain at 9,99€ instead of the new 14,99€ for me,” said one user.
It’s worth mentioning that others are getting emails confirming a price increase, even if they have auto payments active.
As of publishing, Microsoft hasn’t made any sort of wide-ranging public comment on the matter. Insider Gaming has reached out to the company for clarification on prices for auto-renewal members and what regions are impacted. Should a response be received, it will be added to this story.
Are you going to turn on your auto-renewal to keep your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price the same? Leave your thoughts down in the comments below, and join the official Insider Gaming Discord server.
For more Insider Gaming, read about Microsoft addressing recent rumors surrounding the future of Xbox hardware. And make sure you subscribe to the Insider Gaming Newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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I’m in Canada and have Siri renew in, and my price is going in November.
Doesn’t matter, i’ve already cancelled!
We should boycott this bullshit