Microsoft has announced a price reduction for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service under new gaming CEO Phil Spencer’s leadership. However, the change comes with significant modifications to the service’s offerings.

The standard Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price has been reduced, but Microsoft will no longer include day-one releases of major titles like Call of Duty in the base subscription. This change represents a significant shift in the service’s value proposition.

“Microsoft cuts Xbox Game Pass price, to remove ‘Call of Duty’ day one inclusions,” the company confirmed in its announcement. Subscribers will now need to pay additional fees for immediate access to certain blockbuster releases.

The move reflects the challenges of maintaining a subscription service while managing the costs of premium content. Industry analysts suggest the price drop shows that subscriber growth has limits, and Microsoft is adjusting its strategy accordingly.

Meanwhile, Microsoft announced that Xbox Game Pass will lose Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 next week, removing another popular title from the service. The company continues to rotate its game library, adding new titles while removing others.

The gaming community has had mixed reactions to the changes. While lower prices are welcome, the removal of day-one access to major releases has disappointed some subscribers who valued the service’s previous all-inclusive approach.

Microsoft says the new pricing structure will allow for more sustainable growth while still offering significant value to gamers.