Microsoft responded to rumors about significant changes to Xbox Game Pass potentially coming in 2027, stating that there are no changes to announce at this time and no finalized plans. Previously announced games will still be added to Game Pass Ultimate on their release days as originally planned.
This rumor comes from ResetEra user Slayven. According to the report, Microsoft may split Game Pass into ad-supported and ad-free tiers, priced at $13 and $20 per month respectively, and stop adding new releases to the service upon launch between February and April 2027.
Rumors also suggest that cloud gaming features may be removed from the base subscription, requiring players to pay an additional $6 per month for 25 hours of usage. The Family plan might similarly adopt a model with an extra $6 monthly fee. Two other tiers are reportedly under consideration: a $15 tier offering access to part of the game library and online multiplayer, and an $11 tier including only online multiplayer.
Microsoft stated that the company regularly tests different forms of Game Pass services and evaluates actual player demand in various markets. However, these trials do not mean that any adjustments have been finalized, and the company has no new plans to announce at this stage.
Slayven has previously leaked some Xbox subscription changes ahead of time, though not all of those reports were accurate. He correctly predicted the price increase for Game Pass Ultimate and mentioned beforehand that Game Pass Core and Game Pass Standard would be renamed to Game Pass Essential and Game Pass Premium, respectively; however, the claim that PC Game Pass would be discontinued ultimately did not come true. Another source, NateTheHate, acknowledged some of his past accuracy but did not confirm this latest rumor.
Game Pass has already seen recent adjustments. Microsoft previously lowered subscription prices and decided against adding new Call of Duty titles to the service on day one; this year's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IV will not be available on launch day either. Microsoft also plans to limit monthly cloud gaming usage starting in November, allowing users to pay for additional time.
Not all day-one releases are currently affected. Minecraft Dungeons 2 and Gears of War: E-Day are still planned to join Game Pass upon their launches this month and in October, respectively, while Fable, scheduled for release in February 2027, will also remain a day-one addition. As for the rumored ad-supported tier, Family plan changes, and other subscription adjustments, Microsoft has not officially confirmed anything yet.