Microsoft staff losing free Xbox Game Pass, Phil Spencer “looking into the situation”

It seems that Microsoft was offering free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions to its permanent employees but that many of those who aren’t specifically part of the Xbox and Microsoft Gaming teams will soon lose this benefit.

Microsoft has reportedly informed permanent employees that aren’t part of the Xbox and Microsoft Gaming teams that they will no longer be able to have the free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit from January 2024.

The report comes from The Verge, which claims to have spoken to sources “familiar with Microsoft’s plans.” The report says it seems that Xbox employees will still be able to have the benefit while other permanent Microsoft employees will be able to get a discounted year-long Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription but will lose access to the free benefit at the start of next year.

The report also claims that Microsoft employees are speaking out against the change on the “company’s internal messaging platform,” and that Xbox boss Phil Spencer didn’t know about the decision and “is looking into the situation.”

Xbox Game Pass itself is constantly updated, both with major launches like Starfield and with indie hits like Cocoon, which received near-perfect reviews. If you’re curious about what’s to come in the future, check out our long list of all the upcoming Game Pass games.