Recent insights from Xbox Cloud Gaming’s code suggest that Microsoft may be planning to increase prices for Xbox Game Pass subscriptions again. Although Xbox Game Pass is regarded as a top-tier subscription service with over 35 million users since its inception in July 2017, recent price hikes have caused discontent among gamers.
Another potential increase could be ill-received by the community. Xbox Game Pass has continuously attracted subscribers by offering early access to several significant titles, both first-party and third-party.
Notable recent additions include games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Forza Motorsport, and STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl, among others. However, a programmer named RedPhx, associated with the Better xCloud project, has discovered a new notification called “SubscriptionPriceIncrease” in the system’s code.
This alarming find points to the possibility of Microsoft’s plans to raise subscription costs for one or more tiers. Given that Microsoft recently raised the prices of its major first-party titles from $70 to $80, an increase in Game Pass pricing would not be unforeseen.
Last year, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier saw its price jump from $17 to $20 monthly, while the PC Game Pass increased from $10 to $12. Additionally, the introduction of the less popular Xbox Game Pass Standard tier, which lacks day-one release titles, had already left some users frustrated.
Therefore, implementing another price hike this year could further aggravate the community, though this report does not guarantee that an increase is imminent. As of now, Xbox Game Pass has continued to introduce exciting new releases in 2025, with highly rated titles like Oblivion Remastered and Doom: The Dark Ages.
Should prices indeed rise, the ongoing influx of new content may help to soften the blow for subscribers. Furthermore, several anticipated first-party titles are set to launch soon.
While some, like Fable, lack release dates, the month of October 2025 is poised to deliver major releases, including Keeper and The Outer Worlds 2. Until any official announcements are made regarding price changes, gamers should remain vigilant for updates.