Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that it would be changing the pricing for its Game Pass subscriptions, discontinuing the Console Game Pass and increasing the price for all surviving subscriptions. The full details of the price changes for Aussie gamers can be found in our article about the announcement, but the long and short of it is that all Xbox Game Pass players will be forced to pay more for the service. The price changes took effect on July 10th 2024, while full details on the new “Game Pass Standard” are still forthcoming. The FTC (The US Federal Trade Commission) has now filed a stern complaint with the US Court of Appeals about the changes.
The filing, which was submitted to the court on 19 July, calls the price changes “inconsistent” with the gaming giant’s earlier promises that its merger with Activision Blizzard would benefit gamers in the long run. The complaint points out that due to the discontinuation of Console Game Pass, customers must choose between paying 81% more for the new Game Pass Ultimate, or paying 36% more for the downgraded Game Pass Standard, which excludes day-1 releases. The complaint goes on to say “Microsoft’s price increases and product degradation—combined with Microsoft’s reduced investments in output and product quality via employee layoffs… are the hallmarks of a firm exercising market power post-merger.”
During its lawsuit with the FTC, Microsoft made assurances about its major titles, saying that it would be good for players that new Call of Duty titles would be available on day 1 on Console Game Pass. It was partially based on promises like these that the US Court ruled against the FTC and allowed the merger to continue.
It’s unclear if this complaint will have any effect on the changes to Xbox Game Pass.
About the Author
Edie W-K
she/her
If it isn't video games, Edie doesn't care about it. She's been playing games since the N64 era, and only spent enough time away from her 3DS to earn a Bachelor in Games Design from RMIT.
