The leak claims that day-one game launches, including titles like Call of Duty, would no longer be included in the standard subscription. To offset this, Microsoft is reportedly reducing the subscription price by $3. Cloud streaming would reportedly be split into its own bundle costing $5.99 for 25 hours of playtime. Additionally, a Friends & Family tier is said to launch for an extra $5.99 per month, allowing up to five people to share Ultimate benefits.

Microsoft is also said to be planning a shift towards ad-supported tiers, with a $12.99 monthly option and an ad-free tier at $19.99. A separate $14.99 tier is proposed for those wanting the Game Pass library and console online play without extras. The company has responded to the rumour, stating it regularly tests different offerings but has no changes to announce at this time.

Slayven has a track record of accurate leaks regarding Game Pass, including the renaming of Core to Essential and Premium, and a future price rise for Ultimate. However, the leaker has previously been wrong about the exact price of that rise. The source claims to have spoken to someone with a history of being right, adding that the rumour has 'meat on the bone'. Given the significant impact on the service's value, the changes, if they happen, would mark a substantial shift in how Microsoft monetises its gaming ecosystem.