What’s the headline?
Microsoft just announced a price drop for its subscription services. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which bundles console, PC and cloud gaming, is now $22.99 per month (down from $29.99). The stand‑alone PC Game Pass falls to $13.99 from $16.49. The catch? Both tiers will no longer get the brand‑new Call of Duty games on day one.
Numbers in the Indian context
At today’s exchange rate, $22.99 is roughly ₹1,900 and $13.99 is about ₹1,160. That’s a decent saving compared to the previous ₹2,450 and ₹1,400 respectively. For a country where most gamers spend under ₹2,000 a month on entertainment, the new pricing could push Game Pass into the “affordable” bracket.
What you lose: Call of Duty
Since the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II in late 2022, Microsoft has been adding each new COD title to Game Pass on the same day it hits retail. That perk was a major selling point for hardcore shooters. Starting with the next release – likely Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III – Microsoft says the games will be excluded from the subscription. They will still be available to buy separately on Xbox Store or Steam.
What you keep: the library
Even with COD gone, the Game Pass catalog remains massive. Over 600 titles on console, 400+ on PC, including first‑party studios like 343 Industries, Bethesda, and third‑party partners. New releases keep flowing in – Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, and indie hits like Hades are all still under the umbrella.
Why the price cut now?
Microsoft is in a price‑war with Sony’s PlayStation Plus and Nvidia’s GeForce Now. In India, PlayStation Plus Tier 2 is ₹699 per month, while GeForce Now’s “Founders” tier is ₹799. By lowering Game Pass, Microsoft hopes to win price‑sensitive gamers who otherwise stick to console‑only services.
Impact on Indian gamers
1. More bang for the buck – If you already own an Xbox Series X|S or a gaming PC, the new rates make Game Pass a cheaper way to try new games without buying full retail copies.
2. Cloud gaming becomes viable – Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is now part of Ultimate. With 4G/5G networks expanding, players in Tier‑2 cities can stream games on a smartphone for under ₹2,000 a month.
3. COD fans will feel the pinch – The Call of Duty franchise has a huge following in India, especially among competitive players. Losing day‑one access might push them back to buying the game outright or switching to other shooters.
TamilTech’s take
We think the move is a calculated gamble. The price cut is enough to lure casual gamers who were on the fence, but the COD exclusion could alienate the high‑spending core audience. In India, the majority of gamers are price‑sensitive and often share subscriptions within families. The new price point fits that model.
Our recommendation: If you’re a casual player who enjoys variety – RPGs, racing, indie titles – jump on Ultimate now. If you’re a hardcore COD fan, wait for the next sale on the retail version or consider buying the standalone Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III when it drops.
What to watch next
Microsoft has hinted at a “new tier” that might bring back premium first‑party releases for an extra fee. Keep an eye on their announcements in the next quarter. Also, watch how Sony reacts – they could drop their own price or add exclusive titles to keep the competition fierce.
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