Microsoft Employees Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Access Continues for Free After Complaints

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 03 November 2023, 09:11 pm

For many years, Microsoft employees have enjoyed the perk of getting free access to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, its top game service for its console and PC, and that is to remain moving forward. It was previously revealed from internal announcements that most employees who are using it will see the free access removed by January, prioritizing only those who are in Xbox or Microsoft Gaming.

This perk was one of the benefits of being a permanent Microsoft employee, but initial decisions centered on removing it for them, making them purchase it from the store.

Microsoft Employees Get to Keep the Free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Access

(Photo : Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Verge reported that Microsoft has reversed their decision to remove permanent Microsoft employees from accessing the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free. This was after massive complaints arose after it announced the decision yesterday via its internal messaging platform, with Phil Spencer looking into the matter personally.

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.

-Phil Spencer, Xbox CEO.

Much to the dismay of those using the service, Microsoft and Xbox reversed their decision after a day of massive complaints from employees.

Initially Meant for Xbox, Microsoft Gaming Employees Only

Most of its 238,000 employees are enjoying the free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and it was revealed yesterday that it planned to remove it by January 2024. It was initially meant to remain for Xbox and Microsoft Gaming employees only come next year, but the complaints have been heard, with Spencer heeding their requests for it to remain for all.

Xbox Game Pass and its Services

For many years since Microsoft introduced it, Xbox Game Pass has been the top subscription platform for gaming, both available for the different consoles of the company, as well as the PC. It is famous because of the titles that the company makes available for gamers to download for free, under the paid service, with the latest being an AAA-rated game, Gotham Knights.

While there have been many perks for gamers, there are also some stripped advantages for those who own Microsoft Rewards points. Before, users could use their points to exchange for an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription via the store, but it was reportedly removed by the company and only accepts cash or gift cards for it.

With the renowned Xbox Live Gold now dissolving and joining the Xbox Game Pass family, it is now the go-to service for all playing via the Microsoft platforms present in the world. Permanent employees will get to keep their free access to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate thanks to Spencer, and will no longer require them to pay for the service, even at a discounted price.