Microsoft has rolled out sweeping updates to its Game Pass plans — not only are the plan names changing, but there are also significant price hikes worldwide. In this blog, we break down the situation in a clear and practical way, without overwhelming you with old vs new numbers, so you know what matters and what to do next.

Plan Names: What Will You See Now?

Microsoft has renamed its plans; users will now come across these names:

• Game Pass Core → Game Pass Essential

• Game Pass Standard → Game Pass Premium

• Game Pass Ultimate (name unchanged)

• PC Game Pass (name unchanged)

In some regions, there may be small tweaks in the plan content (like cloud gaming access), but the main change is in naming and pricing strategy.

How Have Prices Changed? (Quick Overview)

We’re not sharing detailed country-by-country figures, as prices vary a lot by region and are updated frequently. Here’s the general trend:

• Most markets worldwide have seen increases between 20% and 100%.

• For major markets (US, Europe, UK, Canada, etc.), the hikes are in the mid-range (20%–100%).

• Some regions have seen increases even beyond this range — there are exceptions.

So, there’s no single percentage that applies everywhere — but the global trend is clear: subscription costs have risen significantly.

How Does This Affect Gamers?

• Subscription decisions get tougher: If your renewal is coming up, you might consider downgrading, pausing, or even canceling your plan.

• One-time purchases may become more popular: Instead of long-term subscriptions, buying games outright (digital keys) or grabbing deals during sales could be the new go-to.

• Market behavior will shift: Key/code markets, reselling, and retail promotions may become more attractive.

• User segmentation will deepen: Casual gamers might drop subscriptions, while heavy users may still stick with them.

What Should You Do? (Practical Tips)

1. Check your renewal date. If you have an upcoming auto-renewal, take a moment to review your options.

2. Consider downgrading your plan. Switching from Ultimate to Essential or Premium could cut your costs significantly.

3. Watch for promos & stock. Some retailers may still have old-price stocks or discount coupons available.

4. Explore one-time purchase options. Owning a single game you play often might be cheaper than a subscription.

5. Compare regional deals. If allowed by your account settings and local laws, regional price differences can present opportunities — but always make sure you comply with Microsoft’s account rules.

Your Options with LotKeys

For gamers looking for alternatives during this price surge, platforms like LotKeys offer great deals on digital game keys and more. If you want a fast solution, consider one-time game purchases or discounted keys as your next move.

You can still buy with old prices on LotKeys.