Microsoft is reportedly preparing a major restructure of Xbox Game Pass in 2027, with new tiers that could lower prices but remove day-one launches for exclusive and Microsoft-published games. The changes, according to a tweet by InfoXbox, would introduce an ad-based tier at $12.99 per month, alongside a Family Plan at $5.99, an Online Multiplayer Only tier at $10.99, and a Game Pass Catalog with Multiplayer tier at $14.99.
Day-one launches removed from Ultimate
The most controversial proposed change would see Day-One launches removed from Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which would be reduced to $19.99 per month. Additionally, Cloud Gaming would no longer be included in any tier, with sessions charged at $5.99 for 25 hours.
In response to the rumours, a Microsoft spokesperson said the company regularly tests different Game Pass offerings. "We regularly test different Game Pass offerings and look at what works best for players in different markets," Microsoft explained 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."
Current pricing and upcoming titles
Game Pass has become a challenge for Microsoft as it seeks to recoup costs from studio acquisitions over the past decade. The company increased prices in 2025 before backtracking earlier this year.
Current subscriptions start at £6.99 a month for Essential, which includes online multiplayer, 5 hours of Cloud Gaming and more than 50 games. Premium costs £10.99 a month, offering 200 games, new Xbox-published titles within a year of launch, 10 hours of Cloud Gaming and online multiplayer. Ultimate is available for £16.99 a month, with hundreds of playable games, including new releases on day one. A PC version costs £10.99 a month.
Upcoming first-party releases set to join Game Pass Ultimate on day one include Gears of War E-Day.
