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Xbox pulled Call of Duty from day-one Game Pass launches, moving them to roughly a year later. This came with Game Pass price cuts. Data shows CoD wasn't driving new subscriptions but cannibalizing premium sales, and the franchise itself faces declining engagement and revenue, prompting Xbox's strategic pivot.
Microsoft's gaming division is undergoing a major strategic shift, rebranding as "Xbox" and adopting "daily active players" as its core metric. Under new CEO Asha Sharma, the company aims to tackle player frustrations, reevaluate game exclusivity, and pursue acquisitions, reflecting a renewed challenger mindset amidst recent financial pressures.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is dropping its monthly price from $30 to $23, and PC Game Pass from $16.50 to $14, effective April 21, 2026. The catch? New Call of Duty titles will no longer be day-one additions, instead joining the service about a year after their initial release. Xbox states this change is a direct response to player feedback regarding previous price increases.
GTA 5 is exiting Xbox Game Pass on April 15th, continuing a frustrating cycle of appearing and disappearing from subscription services. This frequent rotation highlights the power Rockstar Games holds, making it hard for players to rely on its availability. Ultimately, buying the game outright is recommended for uninterrupted play.
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, is retiring after a long tenure marked by the creation of Game Pass and major studio acquisitions. Asha Sharma, from Microsoft's CoreAI division, will succeed him as Executive VP and CEO, Microsoft Gaming. Sarah Bond is also leaving, while Matt Booty receives a promotion amidst challenges for the Xbox division.
Xbox Chief Phil Spencer Retires; Asha Sharma Named New Gaming CEO Redmond, WA – February 20, 2026 – Microsoft's gaming division is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Phil Spencer, the long-serving head of
