Microsoft Employees Upset as Free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Benefit is Removed
Microsoft is facing backlash from many of its 238,000 employees after announcing the removal of the free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit for most of its workforce. According to sources familiar with the matter, Microsoft began informing its employees this week that starting January 2024, permanent employees outside of the Xbox/Microsoft Gaming division will no longer have access to the benefit.
While the free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit will continue for Xbox employees, the majority of Microsoft employees will see it disappear next year. Instead, they will have the option to purchase a discounted 12-month subscription at the company’s internal store.
Unhappy with the decision, some employees have taken to the company’s internal messaging platform to express their objections. The posts caught the attention of Xbox chief Phil Spencer, who responded by promising to look into the situation, noting that he was unaware of the changes.
The Verge reached out to Microsoft for comment on the Game Pass removal but did not receive a response in time for publication.
This move comes several months after Xbox Game Pass implemented its first-ever price hike. The subscription price for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate increased from $14.99 to $16.99 per month, alongside price increases for the Xbox Series X console in most markets outside the US. Additionally, Microsoft introduced Xbox Game Pass Core in September as a replacement for Xbox Live Gold.
More than a year ago, Xbox chief Phil Spencer raised concerns about slowing growth of Xbox Game Pass on consoles and indicated a shift towards focusing on PC Game Pass in 2023. However, Microsoft has not provided updated subscriber numbers for Game Pass in nearly two years.
In January 2022, Microsoft announced that Xbox Game Pass had reached 25 million subscribers, but there have been no updates since then, despite the inclusion of popular titles like “Starfield” and “Forza Motorsport” in the service throughout 2023.