A new report from Call of Duty insider TheGhostOfHope suggests that the recent Xbox Game Pass price hike has been well-received among the franchise’s long-time development teams. According to Hope, several Activision developers believe the higher subscription fees will ultimately bring greater financial stability and stronger revenue-linked rewards.
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate monthly fee rose from $19.99 to $29.99 in October 2025, marking the biggest price adjustment since the service launched. The update comes with major upgrades, including access to the Ubisoft+ Classics library and Fortnite Crew membership. Despite the price increase, analysts estimate the subscriber base remains strong—between 35 and 37 million users worldwide, with most opting for the top-tier Ultimate plan.
Hope wrote on X:
“After talking with several Call of Duty developers, they see the Game Pass price increase—from $19.99 to $29.99—as a positive change for studios. Financially, it means more stability and greater room for growth, as higher revenue translates into better potential bonuses and creative freedom.”
He further explained that developers now see their earnings more directly tied to the success of their projects and overall Game Pass performance, which introduces stronger financial incentives than before.
Hope also highlighted a shift in mood within Activision:
“The atmosphere on the Black Ops 7 team is quite upbeat. A few months ago, management was still nervous, but now optimism is high.”
This optimism contrasts earlier concerns that adding blockbuster titles like Call of Duty to Game Pass might hurt traditional retail sales, thereby reducing developer bonuses linked to those figures.
In follow-up comments, Hope clarified that Game Pass had previously been seen as a financial drawback for developers:
“Game Pass used to mean lost income for devs because it cut into the bonuses they’d normally get from sales. Now, the new structure rewards engagement and revenue growth much more effectively.”