Xbox Game Pass price drops but future Call of Duty titles delayed

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will cost $22.99 per month instead of $29.99, according to Team Xbox's announcement on Xbox Wire. The price reduction comes alongside a significant policy change: future Call of Duty titles will no longer launch day-one on Game Pass, instead arriving during the holiday season approximately a year later.

What's changing with Game Pass pricing

According to Xbox, Game Pass Ultimate drops from $29.99 to $22.99 monthly — a 23% reduction. PC Game Pass falls from $16.49 to $13.99, representing a 15% decrease. Both changes took effect 21 April 2026.

For UAE subscribers, this translates to roughly Dhs 85 for Game Pass Ultimate (down from Dhs 110) and Dhs 51 for PC Game Pass (down from Dhs 60), based on exchange rates. The price cuts come as Microsoft adjusts its Game Pass strategy following what the company describes as "a lot of feedback" from players across different regions and preferences.

Call of Duty's delayed Game Pass arrival

Starting this year, new Call of Duty releases won't appear on Game Pass at launch. Instead, they'll join the service "during the following holiday season" — approximately 12 months after retail release.

This marks a significant shift from Microsoft's previous strategy of adding major first-party titles to Game Pass on day one. The change affects both Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers.

Existing Call of Duty titles already in the library — including current entries — will remain available. This ensures subscribers retain access to established franchises while new releases follow the delayed timeline.

What this means for UAE gamers

The pricing changes offer immediate savings for UAE subscribers, potentially making Game Pass more accessible to regional players. However, the Call of Duty delay could impact the service's value proposition for players who primarily subscribe for the latest Call of Duty releases.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate continues to include hundreds of games on console and PC, plus online multiplayer, in-game benefits, and day-one releases for other major titles. The company hasn't specified whether any regional variations will apply to these changes.

"Our players cover a wide breadth of geographies, preferences, and tastes, so while there isn't a single model that's best for everyone, this change responds to a lot of feedback we've gotten so far," Team Xbox stated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new price for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now costs $22.99 per month, down from the previous $29.99. The price change took effect on 21 April 2026.

Will Call of Duty games be available on Game Pass at launch?

No, starting this year, future Call of Duty titles will be added to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass during the holiday season approximately a year after their initial launch.

Are existing Call of Duty games still on Game Pass?

Yes, existing Call of Duty titles already in the Game Pass library will continue to be available to subscribers.

How much does PC Game Pass cost now?

PC Game Pass now costs $13.99 per month, reduced from the previous price of $16.49 monthly.

When do these Game Pass changes take effect?

The pricing changes became effective on 21 April 2026. The Call of Duty policy change applies to future releases starting this year.

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