Microsoft recently increased the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate by a substantial 50%. While this hike was accompanied by new benefits, such as a wider selection of games, access to Fortnite Crew, and improved cloud streaming, a previously enjoyed perk has silently vanished.
Reports from gaming outlet CharlieIntel confirm that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members no longer receive a 10% discount on Call of Duty Points or BlackCell bundles. This change appears to have been implemented very recently and represents a notable downside for dedicated Call of Duty players who frequently purchase in-game content and DLC.
The gaming community has not taken kindly to these latest Xbox Game Pass alterations, with many expressing their disapproval through various online reactions, including popular Mr. Krabs memes that humorously depict Microsoft’s perceived greed.
These changes occur at a time when Microsoft is simultaneously raising prices for Game Pass and Xbox consoles, while also conducting mass layoffs impacting thousands of employees. The company recently announced a staggering $27.2 billion in profit over a mere 90-day period. CEO Satya Nadella commented on the workforce reductions, acknowledging that the “enigma of success” and the relentless pursuit of profit can sometimes be “messy.”
Microsoft’s market capitalization recently soared past $4 trillion, making it only the second company, alongside Nvidia, to achieve such a milestone, though it has since settled back to approximately $3.8 trillion.
In related Call of Duty news, the highly anticipated Black Ops 7 multiplayer beta is currently underway. Players who pre-ordered the game, hold an active Game Pass Ultimate subscription, or secured an access code are able to jump in now. The open beta is scheduled to begin on October 5.
