Big changes could be coming to Xbox Game Pass, as Microsoft reportedly prepares for a major restructure in 2027. The latest rumours suggest that Microsoft is planning to introduce new tiers to Xbox Game Pass beginning next year. On the plus side, the changes could result in cheaper prices, but at the expense of day-one launches for exclusive and Microsoft-published games.
According to a tweet by InfoXbox, the new plans would include an ad-based tier that would cost $12.99 per month. There’s also an alleged Family Plan for $5.99, as well as an Online Multiplayer Only tier for $10.99 and a Game Pass Catalog with Multiplayer tier for $14.99. However, arguably the most controversial of the proposed changes would see Day-One launches removed from Ultimate, which would in turn be reduced to $19.99.
Furthermore, Cloud Gaming would no longer be included in any Xbox Game Pass tier. Instead, Cloud Gaming sessions would be charged at $5.99 for 25-hours.
A Microsoft spokesperson has since responded to the rumours, explaining that the company regularly looks at different Game Pass offerings.
“We regularly test different Game Pass offerings and look at what works best for players in different markets,” Microsoft explains (via Paul Tassi).
“We don’t have any changes to announce today or plans that have been finalised. There are no changes to previously announced games coming to Game Pass Ultimate on day one.”
Game Pass has become something of a sore spot for Microsoft, as the company continually looks for a way to make money back from various studio acquisitions over the past decade or so.
Microsoft dramatically increased the price of Xbox Game Pass in 2025, before backtracking earlier this year.
Xbox Game Pass subscriptions currently start at £6.99 a month for Essential, which provides online multiplayer, 5-hours of Cloud Gaming and more than 50 playable games.
Premium costs £10.99 a month and features 200 games, new Xbox-published titles within a year of launch, ten hours of Cloud Gaming and online multiplayer.
Finally, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is available for £16.99 a month, and features hundreds of playable games, including new releases on day-one.
There’s also a PC version of Game Pass with similar benefits for £10.99 a month.
Upcoming first-party releases that will join Game Pass Ultimate on day-one include Gears of War E-Day.
