Microsoft employees are reportedly about to lose their free access to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, according to The Verge. Until now, all Microsoft employees have apparently enjoyed access to this ultimate gaming service at no cost. Come January 2024, only those working in the Xbox division will retain this free subscription benefit.

Non-Xbox division workers can still purchase the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate but at a discounted rate. The company's internal chat system apparently reveals considerable employee dissatisfaction over this decision. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has reportedly stated his lack of awareness about this situation and declared his intention to launch an investigation.

This comes as the price of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription increased over the summer. Now priced at €15 per month, up from €13, it's significantly more expensive than the standard Xbox Game Pass subscription, which has also risen by €1 to cost €11 monthly. The price of the Xbox Series X also surged this summer.