Xbox Email Hints Game Pass Price Hike Excludes Some Users
▼ Summary
– Microsoft confirmed the email about Game Pass pricing is official and stated current subscribers in certain countries will continue renewing at existing prices for now.
– The email clarifies that recent price increases will only apply to new purchases and not affect current recurring subscriptions in specific regions.
– Affected countries include Austria, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Korea, Poland, and India, but not all European nations or regions like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
– Microsoft will provide at least 60 days’ advance notice before any price adjustments take effect in these countries, allowing subscribers to cancel or change plans.
– Despite the email’s legitimacy, there is ongoing confusion due to Microsoft’s lack of transparency and varying renewal prices across the Xbox ecosystem.
Recent developments suggest that some Xbox Game Pass subscribers may be exempt from the widely reported price increases, at least for the time being. While Microsoft has confirmed price hikes for new members in many regions, certain existing subscribers are receiving emails stating their current rates will remain unchanged, provided they maintain an active recurring subscription.
Numerous users, particularly in countries like Austria, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Korea, Poland, and India, have shared an official communication from Xbox. The message clarifies that the updated pricing will only affect new purchases and will not alter existing subscription costs in their specific region. Microsoft has since verified the authenticity of these emails, confirming that current subscribers in select countries will continue to renew at their existing price for now, in compliance with local regulations.
The email further explains that should subscribers decide to cancel their current plan and later repurchase, they would then be charged the new rate. Microsoft also commits to providing at least 60 days’ notice before any changes take effect, giving users the option to cancel or modify their subscription plan.
This regional variation in pricing appears to be linked to different legal requirements across various markets, though Microsoft has not provided a comprehensive list of exempted countries. Notably, subscribers in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia have not reported receiving similar notifications, suggesting the price increases will proceed as planned in those regions.
Despite originating from the legitimate “[email protected]” address used for official correspondence, some initial skepticism arose regarding the email’s authenticity. While the source has been confirmed as genuine, users should always exercise caution with unexpected communications and avoid clicking suspicious links.
The situation remains somewhat unclear due to Microsoft’s limited transparency and reports of different renewal prices appearing across various parts of the Xbox ecosystem. Subscribers should monitor their email for official notifications and be aware that pricing policies may continue to evolve. Microsoft has promised to provide advance notice before implementing any price adjustments in the affected countries, though the broader price increases appear to be proceeding as scheduled in most markets.
(Source: Pure XBOX)
