Microsoft has ignited a wave of discontent among gaming enthusiasts following its announcement of a significant price increase for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The most popular tier, Ultimate, will now cost £22.99 per month, marking a 50% rise from its previous £14.99 price point. This decision has led to a surge in subscription cancellations, with some users reporting that the service’s cancellation page crashed due to overwhelming demand. Microsoft has yet to confirm whether the outage was directly linked to the surge in activity. The revamped Game Pass structure now offers three tiers: Essential (£10/month), Premium (£14.99/month), and Ultimate (£22.99/month). While the basic tier is necessary for online multiplayer access, the higher tiers provide a broader selection of games and perks, including day-one access to new releases from Microsoft-owned studios like Call of Duty. Despite the addition of blockbuster titles such as Hogwarts Legacy and Assassin’s Creed entries to the Game Pass library, many users perceive the price hike as anti-consumer. Industry experts, including Ed Nightingale of Eurogamer, have expressed concerns that the increased costs could alienate gamers, especially as the overall cost of gaming continues to rise. Microsoft has defended the move, stating that the new pricing structure offers greater flexibility, choice, and value. However, critics argue that the company risks undermining its reputation as a consumer-friendly brand. This price adjustment follows a series of cost increases across Microsoft’s gaming division, including higher prices for Xbox consoles and accessories, which the company attributes to rising development costs and market conditions. The broader gaming industry has also seen similar trends, with Sony and Nintendo implementing price hikes for their products. Amidst these changes, Microsoft has also faced scrutiny for its recent layoffs and increased investment in artificial intelligence, raising questions about its long-term strategy in the gaming sector.