Microsoft is removing the free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit for most of its 238,000 employees and some aren’t happy about it. Sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans tell The Verge that the company started informing employees this week that in January 2024 the free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit for permanent Microsoft employees will no longer be available.

I understand that Xbox employees will continue to keep the benefit, but the vast majority of Microsoft employees who aren’t part of Xbox / Microsoft Gaming will see the benefit disappear next year. Microsoft employees will be able to purchase a discounted 12-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscription at the company’s internal store.

Some Microsoft employees have taken to the company’s internal messaging platform to voice their objections about the benefit being removed. The employee posts even prompted Xbox chief Phil Spencer to respond, noting that he wasn’t aware of the changes and is looking into the situation.

....

I was going to say "revert this" and criticise Xbox slightly but then I read it further, Microsoft Gaming employees will still get GPU for free, only the rest of Microsoft's employees will no longer receive it...I want to say suck it up, Lmao. We've read the stories about how Xbox were treated by other divisions in Microsoft since their creation, how Windows team has screwed Xbox in the past, now they suddenly want freebies from Xbox?

Man...You're still getting the discounted rate that none of us are getting and you're being paid well I assume as a Microsoft employee, why should people who have nothing to do with Microsoft Gaming be entitled to it for free? I'm only surprised that Phil wasn't aware of the change but honestly I would support him if he doesn't do anything as long as MS Gaming employees still receive it for free, the rest of MS can suck it up and pay.