Fri Oct 03 12:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:
**Microsoft Hikes Xbox Game Pass Prices, Cites Increased Value and Content**
REDMOND, WA – Microsoft is raising the prices of its Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers, acknowledging the potential frustration for gamers but emphasizing the added value now included in the service. The company’s director of gaming and platform communications, Dustin Blackwell, told The Verge that the decision was not taken lightly and that Microsoft is listening to player feedback.
The most significant increase affects the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier, jumping from $19.99/£14.99 to $29.99/£22.99 per month. Price hikes also impact the standard Xbox Game Pass, which is being rebranded as Xbox Game Pass Premium, and PC Game Pass.
Blackwell justified the price increases by pointing to the expanded library and day-one releases now available through Game Pass Ultimate. Subscribers now gain access to over 400 titles globally, with Microsoft boasting over 75 day-one releases each year – a 50% increase compared to last year. He emphasized ongoing partnerships ensuring more future games arrive on the service.
This announcement follows last week’s news of a second price increase for Xbox Series X|S consoles in the United States, with costs rising between $20 and $70 across the hardware range. Microsoft maintains that these changes are necessary to support the growing ecosystem and continued investment in the Xbox platform.
First Piper 