Microsoft may be preparing another major overhaul of Xbox Game Pass in 2027, with a new rumor claiming the service could introduce advertisements, separate cloud gaming and multiplayer subscriptions, and potentially abandon day-one game releases altogether.
The information comes from ResetEra moderator Slayven and should be treated as a rumor for now. Microsoft has not announced these changes. Although Slayven has previously shared Game Pass information that proved at least partially accurate, that does not guarantee these plans will happen.
In brief:
- Xbox Game Pass could reportedly introduce a $12.99 ad-supported plan.
- A $19.99 ad-free subscription is also reportedly being considered.
- New games may stop launching day one on Game Pass between February and April 2027.
- Cloud gaming and online multiplayer could become separate paid options.
Xbox Game Pass Could Get Completely New Tiers
According to the rumor, Microsoft is considering replacing the current Game Pass structure with two primary subscriptions.
The reported pricing would be:
- Game Pass with ads: $12.99 per month
- Game Pass without ads: $19.99 per month or $239.99 annually
- Game Pass library plus online multiplayer: $14.99 per month
- Online multiplayer only: $10.99 per month
- Family plan add-on: $5.99 per month
- Cloud gaming add-on: $5.99 for 25 hours
The rumored $19.99 plan would represent a reduction from the current $22.99 monthly price of Game Pass Ultimate in the US.
Day-One Xbox Game Pass Releases Could Be Ending
Perhaps the biggest alleged change is Microsoft moving away from day-one Game Pass releases.
Slayven claims new games would stop launching directly into Game Pass sometime between February and April 2027, with the lower subscription price supposedly reflecting that loss of value.
For comparison, Microsoft currently advertises select day-one releases as a major benefit of Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, although Call of Duty titles are already excluded from that promise.
Cloud Gaming May Become a Separate Add-On
The rumor also claims cloud streaming could eventually be removed from Game Pass subscriptions entirely and sold separately at $5.99 for 25 hours.
Interestingly, Microsoft has already confirmed that cloud gaming is changing. Beginning in November 2026, Ultimate will include 15 cloud hours per month, Premium 10 hours, and Essential five hours, with additional playtime available for purchase.
That makes further cloud changes plausible, but it does not confirm this leak.
As of writing, players should take the reported 2027 Game Pass overhaul with a huge grain of salt until Microsoft provides official details.
