Microsoft has announced changes to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service for users in the United Arab Emirates, introducing a new pricing structure alongside a revised tier system. The adjustments took effect as of the company’s latest update, affecting both new and existing subscribers in the region.
The revised pricing sees a reduction in the monthly cost for some tiers, but the changes come with a significant limitation. Under the new subscription model, the popular title Call of Duty will not be available at launch. This restriction applies specifically to the newly introduced tier, which is priced lower than the previous standard plan. The move reflects a broader shift in how Microsoft bundles access to major third party titles within its subscription library.
Details of the pricing adjustment
According to the announcement, the standard Xbox Game Pass subscription in the UAE now costs AED 44 per month, a decrease from the previous AED 49. The higher tier, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, remains at AED 69 per month. The newly introduced tier, referred to as the Core plan, is set at AED 29 per month. However, subscribers on this lowest tier will not receive day one access to Call of Duty, which is scheduled for release later this year.
The change means that players who want immediate access to major Activision Blizzard titles, including Call of Duty, will need to subscribe to the Ultimate tier or purchase the games separately. Microsoft confirmed that the decision applies to all new subscribers after the effective date. Existing subscribers on older plans will retain their current benefits until their billing cycles end, after which they must choose from the new options.
Background and context
The pricing and tier restructuring follows Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, completed in 2023. The company has been integrating Activision’s library into its Game Pass service, but the inclusion of high profile titles at launch has been a point of negotiation. Industry analysts have noted that Microsoft is balancing subscriber growth with revenue goals, as day one releases on lower tier plans could reduce per game sales.
The UAE is one of several markets where Microsoft is testing this approach. The company has not confirmed whether similar changes will roll out globally, but regional adjustments often precede broader policy shifts. The decision to exclude Call of Duty from the entry level plan suggests a strategic move to encourage users toward higher spending subscriptions.
Implications for subscribers
For UAE gamers, the new pricing reduces the barrier to entry for Xbox Game Pass, but the trade off is limited access to flagship titles. The Core plan offers a library of older games and a selection of rotating titles, while the Ultimate plan includes online multiplayer, cloud streaming, and day one releases. The standard plan, now at AED 44, also does not include Call of Duty at launch unless the subscriber upgrades to Ultimate.
The move has drawn mixed reactions from the gaming community. Some users have expressed disappointment that a major franchise like Call of Duty is locked behind a higher paywall, while others view the lower base price as a positive step for budget conscious players. Microsoft has not released official subscriber numbers for the UAE region, but regional gaming market data indicates steady growth in console subscriptions.
Looking ahead
Microsoft is expected to announce further details on the global rollout of the tier structure in the coming months. The company has stated that it will monitor user feedback and adjust offerings based on regional demand. Call of Duty’s next installment is scheduled for release in October, and the new subscription terms will be in effect by then. Whether other regions adopt similar pricing and restrictions remains to be seen, but the UAE adjustments serve as a clear indicator of Microsoft’s evolving subscription strategy.
Source: GeekWire
