Unlocked How We’d Fix Xbox’s Game Pass Pricing Problem – Unlocked 710
Oct 9, 2025
Microsoft's recent price hike for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has caused quite a stir. The hosts discuss how to resolve this pricing dilemma and the backlash from subscribers. The shift from DLC discounts to Rewards points raises concerns about consumer experience. They also address rumors about Microsoft's future hardware and the potential for a free version of Xbox Cloud Gaming. The community's reactions and cancellation trends suggest that consumer pressure might just lead to a course correction by Microsoft.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tokenized Day‑One Downloads Could Calm Backlash
- Ryan McCaffrey proposes letting mid‑tier Game Pass subscribers claim four day‑one game downloads per year to balance value and Microsoft revenue needs.
- He argues four is reasonable because it equals ~5% of Microsoft's claimed 75+ day‑one titles per year.
Call Of Duty On Game Pass May Have Driven Hike
- Bloomberg reported Call of Duty being day‑one on Game Pass cost Microsoft an estimated $300M in lost individual sales.
- That shortfall may be a key driver behind the recent Ultimate price hike.
Offer Limited Perks To Retain Subscribers
- Give subscribers a limited, clearly defined perk to soften price hikes and preserve value perception.
- Tie claims to time or annual subscription so users either use them or lose them, keeping economics manageable.