Microsoft is implementing significant price hikes for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, with monthly charges increasing by up to £2 for both PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. These changes come as Microsoft acquires studio Activision Blizzard and positions itself for the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 directly on Game Pass. The move aims to disrupt the gaming industry, dominated by physical game sales, by offering a Netflix-style subscription model for gamers. Current subscribers will see their bills change in September, with new subscribers seeing immediate price adjustments. Existing basic subscribers on their console can continue until their subscription expires, but will miss out on access to newly released games without upgrading to Game Pass Ultimate. This strategic shift underscores Microsoft's commitment to expanding its gaming offerings and competing with Sony's PlayStation Plus service.