A recent report from Call of Duty insider TheGhostOfHope suggests that the latest Xbox Game Pass price increase has been received positively among developers working on the long-running franchise. According to Hope, several developers within Activision believe the higher subscription rate will ultimately benefit them financially, providing greater stability and potential rewards tied to their games’ success.
The price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate rose from $19.99 to $29.99 per month in October 2025, marking the service’s most substantial pricing change since its inception. The adjustment accompanied an overhaul of the platform, introducing additional perks such as access to Ubisoft+ Classics and the Fortnite Crew subscription. Despite the increased cost, analysts estimate that subscriber numbers remain strong, hovering between 35 and 37 million users worldwide, with a significant majority choosing the top-tier Ultimate plan.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Hope wrote, “I spoke to several Call of Duty developers who say that the recent price increase for Game Pass from $19.99 to $29.99 is a positive for the Call of Duty studios. Financially, this will be a win for them as individuals because it will lead to more revenue which means they are more in control of their future and what they can achieve.” He further elaborated that developers see “a lot more financial upside with bonuses and such if they are successful now,” explaining that the new pricing model aligns developer incentives with game performance and overall revenue growth.
Hope’s comments also highlight a notable shift in internal sentiment at Activision. “The vibe in Activision with regards to Black Ops 7 is pretty positive at the moment. A few months ago, the executive team was not happy and now they are feeling better.” This optimism contrasts with previous concerns that the inclusion of major titles like Call of Duty on Game Pass might reduce traditional sales performance and, by extension, impact developer bonuses tied to retail success.
In follow-up exchanges, Hope clarified that the subscription model had previously been viewed as detrimental to developer compensation. “Game Pass was a net negative for the devs because it impacted their bonuses they’d receive any other year prior,” he explained, suggesting that the revised structure now allows for stronger financial returns when engagement and sales targets are met.
While the long-term impact of the Game Pass price hike remains to be seen, the internal reception among Call of Duty developers appears encouraging. If this sentiment reflects broader industry attitudes, Microsoft’s strategy of combining higher-tier pricing with expanded content offerings could help balance both creative and financial expectations across its first-party ecosystem.
