Xbox Game Pass Announces October Lineup After Price Increase

Xbox Game Pass Announces October 2025 Lineup

Microsoft has released its first Xbox Game Pass announcement since the significant price increase for the Ultimate subscription. Recently, Microsoft faced backlash as the monthly fee for the Ultimate plan rose from $19.99 to $29.99—a staggering 50% increase.

Justification for Price Hike

To counter the controversy, Microsoft emphasized the addition of 75 day-one releases and new features like Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics. They highlighted improvements in Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming quality as part of the enhanced experience that justifies the price hike.

Despite these enhancements, many fans remain skeptical about the value of Game Pass. An IGN poll indicated that 53.9% of respondents might not subscribe at all, while only 19.8% are willing to stick with Ultimate despite the increase.

Upcoming Titles for October 2025

Microsoft has released the following lineup for October, showcasing notable titles:

• October 8: Supermarket Simulator (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• October 9: Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Editions (PC)
• October 14: The Casting of Frank Stone (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
• October 15:
  • Ball x Pit (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • The Grinch: Christmas Adventures (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Eternal Strands (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
  • He Is Coming (PC)
  • Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
• October 16: Pax Dei (PC)
• October 17: Keeper (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
• October 21:
  • Evil West (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Ninja Gaiden 4 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)

Departing Titles

Several games will be exiting Game Pass on October 15:

• Cocoon (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Core Keeper (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutants Unleashed (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Price Changes and Subscriber Impact

The updated pricing began on October 1 for new subscribers and will take effect for current users on November 4. Notably, countries like Ireland and South Korea will delay the price hike, which unfortunately does not extend to U.S. and U.K. subscribers.

Furthermore, Microsoft has eliminated the Xbox Game Pass discount on DLC purchases, offering subscribers points for the Rewards scheme instead, a change that has not been favorably received.

In recent months, discussions about Xbox's pricing have intensified, particularly following game announcements indicating some upcoming titles would cost $80 instead of the previous standard of $70. The company later retracted this decision for specific games, maintaining the lower price point.

With a steadily evolving landscape, Xbox fans will undoubtedly be watching to see how these changes impact their gaming experience.

Source: IGN