Microsoft considers new Game Pass tier with only first-party games

Recent changes within Microsoft’s Xbox division point to a potential new level for the popular Game Pass service. Asha Sharma, who earlier this year replaced Phil Spencer as head of Xbox, is reportedly exploring the possibility of introducing a Game Pass tier focused exclusively on Microsoft first-party games.

Core of the discussion

According to reports from Tom Warren, Sharma has told his team that the current Game Pass structure may be too expensive for players. That has sparked discussions about evolving Game Pass into a more flexible system, making access to first-party titles such as Call of Duty , Fallout , The Elder Scrolls , Diablo , Halo , Forza and Gears of War more accessible.

Microsoft's first-party studios

Microsoft has an extensive network of first-party studios, including the developers at Activision Blizzard and Bethesda. Under the proposed strategy, the new Game Pass tier could offer a cheaper option for players, while also including future major releases such as Forza Horizon 6 , Halo: Campaign Evolved , Gears of War: E-Day , Fable and the next Call of Duty, which is expected to be Modern Warfare 4 .

Reassessment under new leadership

Under Asha Sharma’s leadership, Microsoft appears to be reassessing every aspect of its Xbox business. There are rumors that the company is considering not adding this year’s new Call of Duty to Game Pass on day one. That could be tied to the recent price increase for the subscription service, which was partly driven by the addition of Call of Duty games following the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Future challenges

The Game Pass debate has sparked a range of opinions across the games industry. Some publishers, such as former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick, have expressed doubts about the value of including major franchises like Call of Duty in subscription services. Meanwhile, former Sony executive Shawn Layden has suggested that the future of Game Pass may not be as bright as hoped, and that a critical review of the system is necessary.

The adjustments and possible changes within Game Pass will undoubtedly have major implications for Microsoft’s strategy and its gaming subscription model in the years ahead.