Microsoft Denies Finalized Game Pass Changes After 2027
Microsoft has issued a statement denying any finalized plans after a rumor detailed a major 2027 overhaul for Xbox Game Pass, including tier splits
Microsoft has responded to a detailed rumor about a potential 2027 shakeup for Xbox Game Pass. The company stated it has no finalized plans to announce.
A ResetEra user known as Slayven, who has a track record for accurate Xbox leaks, reportedly outlined a series of major changes. The rumor suggested Microsoft could split Game Pass into multiple tiers starting in the February-April 2027 window. One proposed tier would be ad-supported, while another would remain ad-free.
The Alleged 2027 Tier Structure
The rumor laid out a potential new pricing and feature structure. These unconfirmed plans would represent a significant departure from the current Game Pass Ultimate offering.
| Tier / Feature | Reported Monthly Price | Key Features (Per Rumor) |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-Supported Tier | $13 | Includes ads; other features unspecified in source. |
| Ad-Free Tier | $20 | No ads; reportedly $3 less than current Ultimate. |
| Core Library Tier | $15 | Access to select Game Pass titles + online multiplayer. |
| Online Multiplayer Only | $11 | Solely provides access to online multiplayer. |
| Cloud Gaming Add-on | $6 | Provides 25 hours of cloud streaming access. |
| Family Plan Add-on | $6 | Extra cost on top of a base membership. |
A central claim was the removal of day-one releases from the standard Game Pass subscription. Microsoft's statement directly addressed this point, saying, "There are no changes to previously announced games coming to Game Pass Ultimate on day one."
Microsoft's Official Stance and Testing
In its statement to GameSpot, originally obtained by Forbes, Microsoft characterized such rumors as part of its ongoing business evaluation. "We regularly test different Game Pass offerings and look at what works best for players in different markets," the company said. It emphasized that no changes are finalized.
Reputable leaker NateTheHate commented on ResetEra that Slayven's source "clearly has knowledge of some matters." However, they did not corroborate the specific 2027 report. Slayven's past leaks have been partially accurate, correctly predicting a price increase and name changes for Game Pass tiers, but also incorrectly claiming PC Game Pass would be removed.
Recent Precedents for Change
While the 2027 rumor is unconfirmed, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has already implemented significant shifts. One of her first moves after becoming CEO in February 2026 was to cut the price of Game Pass and remove new Call of Duty titles from day-one availability. Sharma has previously stated Game Pass was too expensive and hinted at a longer-term evolution.
"Long term, we will evolve Game Pass into a more flexible system which will take time to test and learn around," she said. This aligns with the rumored direction of offering more options, potentially at lower price points with advertisements. Microsoft recently tested an ad-supported version of cloud gaming, suggesting a broader interest in ad-based models.
The removal of day-one releases for major titles has already begun with the Call of Duty franchise. This year's Modern Warfare 4 will not be on Game Pass at launch, arriving instead the following holiday season. Sharma has discussed "windowing" some exclusives, keeping them off the service initially to encourage full-price purchases.
Other confirmed upcoming games, like Minecraft Dungeons II this month, Gears of War: E-Day in October, and Fable in February 2027, are still planned as day-one releases. Regarding cloud gaming, Microsoft has already announced it will impose monthly time limits starting in November, with users able to pay for additional hours.
Sharma has also explored potential partnerships, having "kicked around ideas" with Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters about possible subscription bundles. Her stated ambition is to "fortify" Game Pass with "clear differentiation and sustainable economics." These efforts occur alongside broader restructuring at Xbox, including layoffs and studio divestitures, as Sharma seeks to stabilize the platform.
