It seems the bad news for Xbox Game Pass subscribers just won’t stop. In another blow to the value of the service, players have discovered that Microsoft has quietly removed the 10% discount on Call of Duty add-ons for Game Pass Ultimate members. This stealth change, which was not mentioned in the official announcement of the recent price hikes and tier restructuring, means that dedicated Call of Duty fans will no longer get a discount on CoD Points or premium bundles like the BlackCell battle pass.
Another Unannounced Devaluation
The change was first spotted by the community and reported by CharlieIntel, highlighting another reduction in benefits for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers that Microsoft failed to communicate transparently. This comes on the heels of a massive 50% price increase for the Ultimate tier (from $19.99 to $29.99 per month), significant changes to the Microsoft Rewards program, and the appearance of unskippable, fullscreen ads on the console dashboard. Each new discovery has added to a growing sense of frustration and distrust within the Xbox community.
While a 10% discount might seem small, it adds up significantly over the course of a year for players who regularly purchase CoD Points for new skins or invest in the premium BlackCell bundle. Removing this perk without any announcement, right after a major price hike, has been seen by many as a particularly cynical move.
Is Call of Duty the Reason for the Price Hike?
This latest change has led many to speculate that the inclusion of the Call of Duty franchise is the primary driver behind the recent overhaul of Game Pass. The logic is that putting a multi-billion dollar franchise on the service on day one, starting with last year’s Black Ops 6, has proven to be incredibly expensive for Microsoft. The new, higher price for Game Pass Ultimate, coupled with the removal of associated discounts, is seen as an attempt to recoup some of those costs.
This theory is supported by the fact that Call of Duty is the only first-party Xbox franchise explicitly excluded from the new mid-tier “Premium” plan. If you want to play the latest Call of Duty via Game Pass, you have no choice but to subscribe to the most expensive Ultimate tier. It seems Microsoft is trying to have it both ways: using Call of Duty as a massive draw for its most expensive subscription while simultaneously trying to offset its cost by cutting other benefits.
The Fan Reaction: “They’re on their villain arc”
The community’s response has been one of weary resignation and dark humor. “They’re on their villain arc,” quipped one player in response to the news. The sentiment reflects a feeling that Xbox is systematically dismantling the pro-consumer reputation it spent years building. The “best deal in gaming” is rapidly becoming a much more complicated and less appealing proposition. The lack of transparency around these changes has been particularly damaging, eroding the trust between the platform and its most loyal fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What discount was removed?
Microsoft has removed the 10% discount that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers previously received on Call of Duty add-on content, such as CoD Points and the BlackCell battle pass bundle.
Was this part of the announced Game Pass changes?
No, this change was not mentioned in Microsoft’s official blog post detailing the new Game Pass tiers and price increases. It was discovered by the community after the changes went into effect.
Why is this happening now?
It is widely believed that this is part of a broader strategy to make the inclusion of Call of Duty in Game Pass more profitable for Microsoft, following a massive price hike for the Ultimate tier.
Does this affect all DLC discounts on Game Pass?
It appears to be specifically targeted at Call of Duty. Other games and their DLC may still offer a discount for Game Pass subscribers, though reports on this are mixed.
Can I still play new Call of Duty games on Game Pass?
Yes, but only if you are subscribed to the highest and most expensive tier, Game Pass Ultimate. New Call of Duty titles are not included in the cheaper “Premium” or “Essential” tiers.
Conclusion
The quiet removal of the Call of Duty discount is another log on an already raging fire of fan discontent. It’s a small change on its own, but as part of a rapid series of price hikes, program devaluations, and increased advertising, it paints a clear and worrying picture. The golden age of Game Pass, defined by incredible value and pro-consumer policies, seems to be definitively over, replaced by a new era where players are being asked to pay more for less.