Microsoft removes $1 Xbox Game Pass trial offer; here’s what users said

Microsoft has reportedly decided to remove the $1 trial option for Xbox Game Pass just weeks before the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. This decision eliminates a popular method for players to try out the service and potentially play the highly anticipated CoD title at a much-reduced cost. The $1 trial offered 14 days of access to Xbox Game Pass, allowing new and existing subscribers to explore the game library and experience the benefits of the subscription service.

In a post shared on social media platform X (earlier Twitter), Call of Duty news account CharlieIntel shared a screenshot revealing that Microsoft has removed the option to pay just a dollar to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass on consoles for 14 days. However, now only the Core, Standard, and Ultimate tiers remain available, without any discounted or free trial option.

Take a look at the post here

In the X post, CharlieIntel wrote: “Just ahead of Black Ops 6's launch next week, Microsoft has removed the option to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass for $1 for 14 days. Now, there's no free trial available. Just full-price subscription per month.”

What users said about this change

This change has disappointed gamers who were hoping to experience Black Ops 6 without committing to a full-priced Game Pass subscription. some calling it a "cash grab" for Microsoft while others argued that it makes business sense for the company to maximise revenue. Some users even pointed out that the removal may not have affected access to Black Ops 6 on launch day, as only Ultimate tier subscribers get day-one releases.

Even with recent controversial changes like price increases, Xbox Game Pass remains a valuable service for gamers. Its library of premium titles, accessible across Xbox consoles, PCs, and mobile devices via cloud gaming, continues to be a major draw. The inclusion of major franchises like Call of Duty, made possible through Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, further solidifies its appeal in the gaming market.