Xbox Game Pass Future Uncertain Amid Day-one Release Speculation

WHO:

Eurogamer.net - Xbox's new CEO Asha Sharma expressed interest in evolving Game Pass into a more flexible system.

Eurogamer.net - Microsoft is the company involved in the Xbox Game Pass changes.

Pure Xbox - Xbox spokesperson provided a statement regarding the rumors.

WHAT:

Eurogamer.net - A family plan option for Xbox Game Pass will be available for an additional $6 per month.

Eurogamer.net - An optional cloud streaming add-on bundle will cost $5.99 for 25 hours of playtime.

Eurogamer.net - Xbox Game Pass is reportedly planning to remove day-one game offerings entirely.

Eurogamer.net - An ad-supported tier for Xbox Game Pass is said to be coming, costing $13 monthly.

Eurogamer.net - A third tier will be available for $15, providing access to the existing Game Pass library and online multiplayer.

Eurogamer.net - Cloud streaming is reportedly being removed from all tiers of Xbox Game Pass.

Pure Xbox - Xbox Game Pass is rumored to drop "day 1 new games releasing on the service" in early 2027.

Pure Xbox - Online multiplayer will cost $10.99 per month.

Pure Xbox - Game Pass without ads will cost $19.99 per month or $239.99 annually.

WHERE:

Eurogamer.net - The changes pertain to the Xbox Game Pass service, which is available in various markets.

WHEN:

Eurogamer.net - The changes to Xbox Game Pass are reportedly set to take place between February and April 2027.

Pure Xbox - Several day-one releases have already been announced for Xbox Game Pass in 2027, including "State of Decay 3" and "Senua," targeting a late 2027 launch.

WHY:

Eurogamer.net - The changes are reportedly due to Microsoft's ongoing testing of different offerings to determine what works best for players.

Eurogamer.net - The changes to Xbox Game Pass are reportedly due to Microsoft's ongoing testing of different offerings to determine what works best for players.

HOW:

Eurogamer.net - Microsoft is regularly testing different Game Pass offerings and looking at market responses.

Pure Xbox - The rumored changes include a new $5.99 option for cloud streaming for 24 hours.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 19:04 UTC)

Xbox's new CEO Asha Sharma has announced plans to evolve Game Pass into a more flexible system, which will include a family plan option available for an additional $6 per month. Additionally, an optional cloud streaming add-on bundle will be offered for $5.99, providing 25 hours of playtime. These changes are expected to roll out between February and April 2027, as Microsoft continues to test various offerings to find what resonates best with players.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 16:03 UTC)

Microsoft is reportedly planning significant changes to its Xbox Game Pass service, including the removal of day-one game offerings and the introduction of an ad-supported tier priced at $13 monthly. Additionally, a new tier will be available for $15, providing access to the existing Game Pass library and online multiplayer, while cloud streaming is expected to be eliminated from all tiers. These changes are set to take place between February and April 2027, as Microsoft continues to test various offerings to find what resonates best with players.