Xbox Reportedly Considering New First-Party Game Pass Tier – IGN Daily Fix

In today’s Daily Fix: Xbox’s CEO Asha Sharma is reportedly considering major changes to its Game Pass service, including introducing a new tier that’s only first-party games. Xbox has a huge stable of studios under the Xbox Game Studios banner, as well as those under Activision Blizzard King (which includes Call of Duty). A recent leaked memo from Sharma attests that the company knows they have an affordability problem with Game Pass, as well. In other news, the long-in-development Call of Duty movie has a release date, so mark your calendars for June 30th, 2028. And finally, the Gears of War movie saw a little movement, with director David Leitch saying the script is still being worked on, but Netflix is "100% behind" the project.

Xbox Reportedly Considering New First-Party Game Pass Tier – IGN Daily Fix

A recent drop from IGN Daily Fix has rekindled discussion around Xbox Game Pass and a potential new tier that would foreground first-party titles. While still in rumor territory, the report invites a closer look at how Microsoft might structure a tier built around its own studios, what value it could offer to players, and how such a move would fit into the broader subscription landscape.

What the rumor asserts, in broad strokes, is that Microsoft is exploring a dedicated tier focused on first-party games. The goal, supporters argue, would be to create a streamlined option for fans who primarily want access to Microsoft Studios releases, with a price point and benefits tailored to that audience. As with any rumor, there are plenty of questions left unanswered: Would this be an add-on to existing Game Pass tiers or a standalone option? How expansive would the library be at launch, and how would availability align with major first-party releases? And crucially, how would the tier coexist with the current Game Pass Core, Standard, and Ultimate offerings?

With those open questions in mind, here are some angles worth watching as the chatter evolves.

• Structure and alignment with existing tiers A first-party focused tier could be designed as a complementary option rather than a replacement. It might sit alongside the current lineup, offering access to a curated subset of games from Microsoft’s studios. Another possibility is a standalone subscription that emphasizes first-party releases and perhaps includes cross-platform benefits such as PC access. The exact configuration will heavily influence perceived value. If the tier offers a steady cadence of new first-party launches, it could become a powerful funnel for consumers who want a predictable stream of primary exclusives without paying for a broader catalog that includes third-party games they may not play.

• What counts as first-party in this scenario The definition of first-party matters. Microsoft has multiple studios under its umbrella, and relationships with outside developers can blur lines. A tier that concentrates on in-house IP could highlight franchises like Halo, Forza, and Sea of Thieves, along with upcoming studio projects. The elegance of the concept hinges on a clear library that delivers recognizable value, rather than a vague promise of future titles. Clarity here will affect consumer trust and the tier’s long-term adoption.

• Price, value, and perceived trade-offs Pricing will be a decisive factor. A standalone first-party tier could be positioned at a lower price point than Ultimate to attract players who primarily want first-party experiences, or it could sit at parity with existing tiers but with a tightened catalog. Either approach carries trade-offs: lower price with a smaller library might limit appeal to occasional subscribers, while a higher price with a large but mixed library could blur the distinction from Game Pass Ultimate. Clear communication about what is and isn’t included will be essential to avoid misaligned expectations.

• Impact on developers and studio strategy A tier emphasizing first-party games could influence how Microsoft budgets and times releases. It might incentivize stronger day-one or near-day-one launches within the service, creating a more consistent subscription-driven demand cycle. Conversely, if the tier limits access to only select titles or delays others, studios could face pressure to optimize for the subscription window. The net effect on creative freedom, development timelines, and the handling of IP would be worth watching for signs of long-term strategy shifts.

• Competitive landscape and market context The move would add another layer to an increasingly crowded subscription market. Sony has its own tiered offerings in PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo continues to explore value through its online services and games catalog. In such a climate, a first-party focused tier could help Xbox differentiate by delivering a more predictable, studio-led catalog, while still leveraging the broader Game Pass ecosystem for retention. How Microsoft positions this tier relative to PC Game Pass and how it communicates cross-platform benefits will shape adoption.

• Consumer considerations and potential pitfalls For players, the appeal rests on clarity, value, and ease of use. A new tier must avoid creating confusion about what is included and how to upgrade or downgrade. There is also the risk of fragmentation, where fans feel pulled between multiple subscriptions for different facets of the library. Microsoft would need to ensure a seamless transition path for current subscribers, transparent pricing, and a well-defined road map for future additions to the catalog.

What to watch next

If the report gains traction, look for official comments from Microsoft and follow-up reporting from trusted outlets. Key signals will include: the formal naming of the tier, the exact library composition at launch, pricing details, and any stipulations regarding cross-platform access and cloud streaming. In addition, better clarity on how this tier integrates with existing Game Pass tiers will help players evaluate whether it complements or competes with the services they already use.

Bottom line

A new first-party Game Pass tier, if it materializes, would underscore a continued refinement of Microsofts subscription strategy. It signals a willingness to tailor the service to specific segments of players—those who value first-party experiences above all else. Whether this translates into a more compelling value proposition depends on careful product design: a transparent library, clean pricing, and a clear road map that aligns the tier with both studio ambitions and player expectations. Until official details emerge, the conversation remains an informed forecast, illustrating how Xbox continues to experiment with how games are consumed, discovered, and enjoyed in the subscription era.

For readers tracking this story, IGN Daily Fix offers a concise take on the rumor, but as with any speculative reporting, it should be treated as a developing narrative rather than a confirmed plan. The potential door opened by a dedicated first-party tier is intriguing, and it will be interesting to see how Microsoft navigates the balance between value, clarity, and strategic flexibility as the industry watches.

24/7 Video Game

All the best video games, all the time. Watch no commentary gaming videos live and on demand. By Adrian M ThePRO the Game Professional.

Join The Pro Gamers Community

• You are a pro gamer! • Share your content! • Get discovered!

Join The Pro Gamers Community on social media or login to 24/7 Video Game and submit your posts right to this website.

Up Game Shop

New & used video games, consoles, handhelds, retro, and gaming merchandise. Up Game Shop has the latest and greatest video game deals on the internet.