New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Signals Potential Overhaul for Game Pass Pricing
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
In a recent internal memo reported by The Verge, new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged that Game Pass has become too expensive and signaled plans to explore a more flexible system for players.
Xbox is looking at a possible shakeup for its flagship subscription service. According to a report from The Verge, newly appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma recently addressed Microsoft employees in an internal memo, acknowledging that Game Pass has simply become too expensive for players. As subscription tiers have steadily climbed in price over recent years, the leadership team is reportedly exploring a more flexible system to better fit modern player budgets.
For a service that has spent years anchoring Microsoft's hardware and cross-platform strategy, this internal acknowledgment hits on a very real pain point for the community. Players juggle multiple subscriptions across mobile, cloud, console, and PC, so cost fatigue is a genuine factor when deciding what stays active on the monthly statement. Exploring flexibility could mean anything from new tier structures to better rewards integration, but the core takeaway is that leadership is at least listening to subscriber pushback.
Of course, internal memos are only the first step toward actual change. The real test will be whether Microsoft can pivot Game Pass into a sustainable model that balances developer payouts with player-friendly pricing. As digital economies and subscription fatigue continue to shape how we buy and play games, a more adaptable approach might be exactly what the ecosystem needs to keep retention strong.
Source: IGN South Africa
Tags: Xbox, Game Pass, Microsoft, Gaming Industry, Subscription Services
Original article: IGN South Africa