Microsoft cut the price of its Xbox Game Pass subscription service on Tuesday, April 21, but removed a major feature in the process: day-one access to new Call of Duty titles.
The company reduced the monthly cost of Game Pass Ultimate by 23%, from $29.99 to $22.99. Microsoft also cut the price of PC Game Pass by 15%, reducing the monthly fee from $16.49 to $13.99. The new pricing took effect immediately.
Under the revised model, Microsoft will no longer add new Call of Duty games to Game Pass on release day. Instead, subscribers will gain access to new titles one year later during the following holiday period. The change does not affect existing Call of Duty games already available on the service.
Microsoft’s decision changes one of the most valuable benefits tied to Game Pass, especially for players who subscribed to access major releases on launch day. While the loss of immediate Call of Duty access stands out, the service still includes hundreds of games, online console gaming, and other membership features.
The move comes months after Microsoft appointed Asha Sharma as its new gaming chief, replacing Phil Spencer in February. It also follows a difficult period for Xbox, with gaming revenue falling by about 10% year over year in the fourth quarter and hardware sales dropping 32% after Microsoft cancelled two key game projects.
Game Pass will also continue its regular cycle of content removals, including previously announced departures such as Monster Train and Injustice 2 in February 2026.
