Microsoft is reportedly planning a significant restructuring of its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, moving away from fixed tiers toward a customizable model. According to a profile of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma published by Fortune in October 2026, the company intends to let players select individual features à la carte. This shift aims to provide greater flexibility for users who may not need every benefit included in current packages.
Flexible Subscription Structure
The proposed overhaul would allow subscribers to choose specific components of the service, such as console-only game libraries, cloud streaming capabilities, and online multiplayer access. The system would reportedly operate on a tiered structure, but the contents of those tiers would be determined by user preference rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This strategy aligns with earlier reports from April, when Windows Central noted that Xbox hoped to eventually offer a version of the service where users could decide which content packages to include in their plan.
Current subscription options include Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at $23 per month, which bundles over 500 games, day-one releases, EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and online multiplayer. Lower tiers like Xbox Game Pass Essential at $10 per month offer a smaller library and limited streaming hours. The new model could allow users to drop bundled subscriptions, such as Fortnite Crew, to lower their monthly costs.
Leadership Changes and Market Strategy
The potential changes come during a period of intense transition for Microsoft’s gaming division. Since Sharma took over as CEO in February, the company has undergone layoffs, sold several studios, and adjusted its core products. These moves are part of an effort to establish the brand as a viable business in a competitive market. The restructuring of Game Pass is seen as a key component of this broader strategy to improve profitability and customer retention.
Sharma’s approach follows a price hike in 2025, which was quickly followed by a reduction in the cost of the Ultimate tier. The company has also begun testing ways for non-subscribers to pay for game streaming, suggesting a move toward more granular monetization. While the exact mechanics of the new system remain unclear, the focus is on giving customers more control over pricing as the cost of games and hardware continues to rise.
The shift represents a departure from the traditional bundle model that has defined Xbox Game Pass since its inception. By allowing users to pay only for the features they use, Microsoft hopes to make the service more appealing to newcomers and cost-conscious existing customers. However, it remains uncertain whether this flexibility alone will be enough to reverse recent financial challenges for the division.
Source: Engadget
