The Verge editors reported that yesterday most of Microsoft’s 238,000 employees were notified that starting in January, they will have to pay for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Company representatives will be offered a special discount on a 12-month subscription, which until now had been available to everyone for free.
The situation sparked discontent and numerous unflattering comments on the corporation’s internal communication platform, which Phil Spencer quickly realized. The head of Microsoft Gaming admitted that he was unaware of the scale and intends to look into the matter.
It should be noted that free Xbox Game Pass will no longer be available to Microsoft employees outside of the Xbox and Microsoft Gaming divisions. It appears the remaining employees will still be able to take advantage of the offer.