Microsoft Employees Face Impending Loss of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscriptions

Microsoft is preparing to eliminate complimentary Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions for approximately 238,000 employees. Non-Xbox division members will no longer receive the subscription at no cost. The Verge reports that Microsoft has started notifying employees about this policy change, offering them the option to buy a discounted 12-month subscription. Following this development, a number of employees expressed their concerns internally, catching the attention of Xbox executive Phil Spencer, who was previously unaware of the alterations. Spencer is currently investigating the matter.

At present, the reason behind Microsoft's decision to discontinue its complimentary Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions for employees remains unknown. In a recent announcement, Microsoft revealed plans to raise the prices of both Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. In the United States, Game Pass will see a $1 monthly increase, bringing the cost to $11 per month, while Game Pass Ultimate will face a $2 increase, bringing the cost to $17 per month.

For further updates on Xbox-related news, please refer to our articles on Xbox's action against unauthorized third-party accessories and controllers, as well as our coverage on Microsoft's potential strategies following its acquisition of Activision.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Xbox, I am deeply concerned about the recent news that Microsoft employees may lose their complimentary Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions. This benefit has been a valuable perk for employees, allowing them to access a wide range of games at no cost. The potential loss of this benefit could have a significant impact on employee morale and productivity.

I am also concerned about the potential impact of this decision on the Xbox ecosystem as a whole. Microsoft's decision to discontinue complimentary subscriptions for employees could lead to a decrease in the number of active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This could, in turn, lead to a decrease in revenue for Microsoft and a reduction in the number of games available on the service. I urge Microsoft to reconsider this decision and find a way to continue providing complimentary Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions to its employees. This benefit is not only valuable for employees, but it also benefits the Xbox ecosystem as a whole.