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."

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Microsoft, Electronic Arts partner to bring EA Play access to Xbox Game Pass members for free

New Xbox Series X and Series S owners can take advantage of the new EA Play membership through Xbox Game Pass (Source: Microsoft)

A new partnership between Microsoft and Electronic Arts brings EA Play to Xbox Game Pass at no additional charge. Both Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC members get the free EA Play membership starting this holiday season. Ultimate members get to enjoy EA Play on the Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Windows 10 PCs, while PC members get EA Play on Windows 10 machines.

Ultimate and PC members will be able to play over 60 of EA's biggest and best console and PC games like FIFA 20, Titanfall 2, and Need for Speed Heat, as well as titles from some of EA's most popular franchises like Battlefield, Mass Effect, Skate, and The Sims. Some of the best EA Play games will also be available to Ultimate members on their Android devices via the cloud. And Microsoft promises to add more titles for those who play on the PC. Game Pass for PC and the Xbox App will become generally available starting September 17.

Source: Xbox Wire