Microsoft halts Xbox Game Pass price rises in select markets

Microsoft is pausing price hikes for its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription in some countries.

As reported by The Verge, existing customers received an email clarifying that if they were on an auto-recurring plan, the price rise would not affect current subscriptions.

The markets exempt from price rises include Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland, and India.

The changes in price to Xbox Game Pass subscriptions will affect new purchases in these territories.

If customers were to cancel or repurchase their plan, they will “be charged at the new current rate”.

Microsoft also noted that if there are any changes to an existing account, users will be notified “at least 60 days in advance” to provide “the option to cancel or change” subscription plans.

Head of Xbox Communications Kari Perez clarified that its “recent Game Pass update remains unchanged” outside these countries.

“Current subscribers in certain countries will continue renewing at their existing price for now, in line with local requirements,” Perez continued.

“We’ll provide advance notice before price adjustments take effect in these countries.”

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced price increases of some Xbox Game Pass subscriptions.

This included Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which rose from $19.99/£14.99 to $29.99/£22.99 per month.

Microsoft said it “understand[s] price increases are never fun for anybody” but that the firm is “trying to reinforce” its offerings by “adding more value to these plans” alongside the price rises.

In September, Microsoft announced it would also increase the cost of its Xbox Series X|S consoles in the US for a second time this year.