Microsoft reverses decision to remove free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for employees after complaints

Microsoft

Microsoft employees have enjoyed free access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for years, but the company planned to end this benefit in January. However, after many employees objected, the company changed its mind and decided to keep the benefit.

The Verge reported that Xbox chief Phil Spencer personally intervened to reverse the decision, following employee complaints about losing the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit in 2024. Spencer confirmed the reversal in a message to Microsoft employees on the company’s internal Viva platform: "After looking into this more with the team, I just want to confirm that no change will be made to Game Pass availability in 2024. If you have access to the Game Pass offer today you will continue to have access. I appreciate the time to get up to speed and sorry for the questions and confusion created. And thanks for supporting Xbox."

This means that Microsoft employees will still have free access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which they have had since the subscription option launched in 2019. Microsoft employees have always had access to Xbox subscriptions, such as Xbox Live Gold, at no cost.

The reason for the initial decision to remove the benefit is unclear, but it seems to be related to benefits or HR policies. Spencer was not aware of the plan and quickly moved to reverse it.

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