Microsoft employees will keep free access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate after complaints

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Microsoft Reverses Decision to Remove Free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Benefit for Employees

In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has reversed its decision to remove the free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit for its employees. The company had initially planned to remove the benefit in January, but employee complaints and objections have led to a change of heart.

The news was first reported by The Verge, which stated that Microsoft employees had expressed their dismay over the removal of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit in 2024. Xbox chief Phil Spencer took the matter into his own hands and personally looked into the situation.

Following his investigation, Spencer confirmed that the decision would be reversed and that Microsoft employees would be able to keep the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit. He shared this news with the employees on the company’s internal Viva platform, stating, “After looking into this more with the team, I just want to confirm that no change will be made to Game Pass availability in 2024. If you have access to the Game Pass offer today you will continue to have access. I appreciate the time to get up to speed and sorry for the questions and confusion created. And thanks for supporting Xbox.”

This reversal means that Microsoft employees will retain their free access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a benefit they have enjoyed since the subscription option was launched in 2019. The company has a history of providing its employees with free access to Xbox subscriptions, with Xbox Live Gold being offered as a benefit for years.

While it is unclear why Microsoft initially decided to remove the benefit, it seems to have been more of a benefits or human resources decision. Phil Spencer himself was not aware of the plan and acted swiftly to reverse the change after learning about it.

The news will undoubtedly come as a relief to Microsoft employees who have grown accustomed to enjoying the perks of Xbox subscriptions at no cost. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers a wide range of games for players to enjoy, making it a valuable benefit for gaming enthusiasts within the company.

Overall, this incident highlights the importance of listening to employee feedback and prioritizing their satisfaction. Microsoft’s decision to reverse the removal of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit demonstrates its commitment to addressing employee concerns and ensuring a positive work environment.