Overview

• Microsoft confirmed that Xbox Game Pass subscriber discounts on DLC and add‑ons have been removed, with Ultimate members now earning 10% in Microsoft Rewards points and Premium members 5%, while Ultimate keeps a 20% discount on select games.
• Players can no longer directly redeem Microsoft Rewards points for Game Pass time and must instead convert points to a gift card denomination sufficient to cover a subscription.
• Following the October 1 overhaul that raised Ultimate to about $29.99 per month in the US, Microsoft told some existing, auto‑renewing subscribers in countries including Austria, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Korea, Poland, and India that their current rate remains in place for now.
• Coverage notes that other customers received different emails stating their prices will rise at the next billing cycle, creating confusion over who is affected and when changes take effect.
• Reporting has cited internal financial pressures, including a Bloomberg claim from an unnamed former employee that putting Call of Duty on Game Pass allegedly reduced direct sales by roughly $300 million.