Game Pass Subscribers Reportedly Back to 30 Million

What Is Xbox Game Pass?

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service from Microsoft that provides access to a rotating library of video games for a monthly fee. The service operates across Xbox consoles, Windows PC, and cloud streaming (Xbox Cloud Gaming). Game Pass solves the problem of purchasing individual games at full retail price by offering a Netflix-style all-you-can-play model, with tiers including Game Pass Core (online multiplayer and a small library), Game Pass Standard (console library), and Game Pass Ultimate (console, PC, and cloud).

Key Facts

Why Did Game Pass Subscribers Drop to 30 Million?

Game Pass subscribers reportedly fell from 34 million in 2022 to approximately 30 million in early 2025, a decline of roughly 4 million users. The drop is attributed to the removal of the $1 introductory trial, slower-than-expected PC Game Pass growth, and the absence of major Activision Blizzard titles like Call of Duty from the service.

According to a report from Windows Central, cited by Kotaku, Microsoft has not publicly disclosed subscriber numbers since January 2022, when it reported 34 million. The new estimate of 30 million comes from internal sources. The report notes that Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, completed in October 2023, has not yet resulted in Call of Duty being added to Game Pass, which analysts expected would drive subscriber growth. Additionally, Microsoft ended the $1 trial promotion in March 2023, removing a key acquisition channel. PC Game Pass growth has also plateaued after an initial surge.

"Game Pass growth has stalled, and the service is reportedly back down to around 30 million subscribers."

— Windows Central, as reported by Kotaku

Game Pass subscribers dropped from 34 million in January 2022 to approximately 30 million in early 2025, a decline of 12% over three years.

How Does Microsoft Report Game Pass Subscriber Numbers?

Microsoft stopped publicly disclosing Game Pass subscriber counts in January 2022, when it reported 34 million subscribers. Since then, the company has shifted its reporting metrics to focus on "engagement" and "monthly active users" rather than raw subscription numbers, making external verification difficult.

In its quarterly earnings reports, Microsoft now groups Game Pass revenue under "Xbox content and services" rather than providing a standalone subscriber figure. The company has stated that Game Pass revenue continues to grow, but this includes price increases and the addition of higher-tier subscribers. The Windows Central report, which Kotaku cites, is based on internal sources rather than official Microsoft disclosures. This opacity has led to speculation about the service's true health, especially as competitors like Sony's PlayStation Plus have continued to report subscriber numbers.

Microsoft has not officially disclosed Game Pass subscriber numbers since January 2022, when the count stood at 34 million, and now reports only aggregate "Xbox content and services" revenue.

What Factors Contributed to the Decline?

Three primary factors contributed to the reported subscriber decline: the removal of the $1 trial promotion in March 2023, slower-than-expected PC Game Pass adoption, and the delayed integration of Activision Blizzard titles into the service following Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition.

The $1 trial was a major customer acquisition tool, allowing new users to test the service for a month at a minimal cost. Its removal in March 2023 eliminated a key funnel. PC Game Pass, launched in 2020, initially saw strong growth but has since plateaued, failing to replicate the console version's adoption curve. The Activision Blizzard acquisition, completed in October 2023, was expected to boost subscribers significantly, but major titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Diablo IV were not added to Game Pass until 2024, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is not expected until late 2025. This delay has dampened the acquisition's immediate impact on subscriber numbers.

The removal of the $1 trial, plateauing PC growth, and delayed Activision Blizzard title integration are the three primary causes of the Game Pass subscriber decline to 30 million.

Who Is Game Pass For?

Game Pass is designed for cost-conscious gamers who play multiple titles per year and value access to a large library over individual game ownership. The service targets both console and PC gamers, with the Ultimate tier also serving users who want cloud streaming on mobile devices and tablets.

The ideal Game Pass user plays at least 3–4 full-priced games per year, as the Ultimate tier's $19.99/month ($239.88/year) cost is lower than purchasing those games individually. The service is less suitable for players who focus on a single game for extended periods (e.g., live-service titles like Fortnite or Destiny 2) or who prefer to own games permanently. Microsoft has positioned Game Pass as a core part of its Xbox ecosystem strategy, aiming to convert users into long-term subscribers who also purchase DLC, microtransactions, and third-party games through the Xbox store.

Game Pass is most cost-effective for gamers who play 3–4 or more full-priced titles per year, saving them approximately $100–$200 annually compared to individual purchases.

Common Questions

Will Call of Duty come to Game Pass?

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is expected to launch on Game Pass in late 2025, according to reports. Previous Call of Duty titles like Modern Warfare III were added in 2024, but the delay has been a factor in slower subscriber growth.

Is Game Pass still profitable for Microsoft?

Microsoft has not disclosed Game Pass profitability separately. The company reports that "Xbox content and services" revenue continues to grow, but this includes price increases and higher-tier subscriptions, not necessarily increased subscriber counts.

How does Game Pass compare to PlayStation Plus?

PlayStation Plus had approximately 47 million subscribers as of March 2024, significantly more than Game Pass's reported 30 million. However, PlayStation Plus includes a lower-priced Essential tier required for online multiplayer, which inflates its numbers.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: a Kotaku article published on March 12, 2025, titled "Game Pass Is Reportedly Back Down to 30 Million Subscribers" (URL: https://kotaku.com/game-pass-is-reportedly-back-down-to-30-million-subscribers-2000712971). The Kotaku article itself cites a Windows Central report as its source for the subscriber estimate. All subscriber figures, dates, and attributions are derived from this source. No currency conversions were required. This article was last updated on March 13, 2025.