Microsoft is exploring a radical expansion for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate that could bundle premium gaming subscriptions like World of Warcraft into its $30 monthly service. The move comes just months after the company raised prices by 50 percent, sparking widespread criticism from subscribers who felt the service no longer offered sufficient value.
Windows Central journalist Jez Corden revealed Microsoft is considering packaging World of Warcraft's $14.99 monthly subscription alongside Minecraft Realms, Fallout First, and Elder Scrolls Online access under the Game Pass Ultimate umbrella. This would transform the top-tier subscription into what Digital Trends describes as "a mega bundle" for dedicated gamers already paying for multiple services separately.
The potential bundling represents Microsoft's attempt to address customer frustration following October's price increase, which pushed Game Pass Ultimate to $29.99 per month. According to PCWorld, that 50 percent hike arrived without obvious value additions, leaving many of the service's 35 million subscribers questioning whether they should continue their subscriptions.
Corden framed Microsoft's situation as such, suggesting the company needs compelling reasons for users to justify the $30 monthly commitment. He noted that adding these premium subscriptions would make Game Pass Ultimate "worth it" for players already invested in those ecosystems.
Microsoft's exploration of enhanced bundling coincides with leadership changes at Xbox, where Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond have departed and Asha Sharma now oversees gaming operations. The new leadership faces pressure to rebuild subscriber loyalty while maintaining revenue growth from what has become one of gaming's most popular subscription services.
Game Pass continues demonstrating its ability to attract players despite pricing concerns. Windows Central reported recent additions like Star Wars: Outlaws brought over 500,000 new players through the service last month alone.
About 57 percent of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 players on Game Pass had previously played Gears 5, indicating strong retention within Microsoft's ecosystem.
The proposed bundling strategy leverages Microsoft's ownership of Activision Blizzard, which gives it direct control over World of Warcraft's subscription model. Blizzard's massively multiplayer online game originally launched in 2004 but maintains a dedicated player base willing to pay monthly fees for access to its evolving fantasy world.
PCWorld suggests Microsoft could further improve subscriber sentiment by adjusting its Rewards program, which currently requires 35,000 points for a three-month Game Pass Ultimate subscription worth nearly $90. The publication argues returning to more favorable point redemption rates would signal commitment to loyal customers without reducing cash revenue.
No timeline exists for when Microsoft might implement these bundled subscriptions, and company representatives haven't confirmed whether discussions have progressed beyond exploratory phases. For now, subscribers continue paying $29.99 monthly while Microsoft determines how best to enhance perceived value following last year's controversial price adjustment.
