Xbox might soon be shaking up its Game Pass offering. According to a leaked memo attributed to Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, the company is reportedly exploring a new subscription tier designed exclusively for first-party games. This potential change appears to stem from internal discussions about affordability concerns tied to the current Game Pass structure. Xbox Game Pass has long been marketed as an all-inclusive hub for gaming enthusiasts, offering access to a broad library of titles developed both in-house and by third-party studios, but its pricing model may now be under review.

The proposed tier would leverage Xbox’s extensive portfolio of first-party studios. The company owns a vast network of developers under the Xbox Game Studios banner, along with newly integrated properties from Activision Blizzard King. This includes high-profile franchises like Call of Duty, which continue to serve as tentpoles in Xbox’s broader strategy. While details remain scarce regarding pricing, launch windows, or service features, the move might appeal strongly to fans of Xbox-exclusive titles.

At its core, this rumored tier could offer budget-conscious gamers an alternative way to engage with Xbox-exclusive content, without necessarily opting for the full Game Pass service. However, it’s unclear how this change might impact the current model or whether it will introduce significant modifications to Xbox's approach to third-party collaborations on the platform.

Beyond the Game Pass news, other updates have surfaced from Microsoft's growing entertainment division. The long-anticipated Call of Duty movie, a project frequently discussed but slow to materialize, now has a confirmed release date. Fans can officially expect to see the film hit theaters on June 30, 2028. The development signals a significant step forward for the adaptation, though no further details about cast or storyline have been revealed.

On a parallel entertainment note, the Gears of War movie appears to be progressing as well. Director David Leitch provided a brief update, stating that the script is still in development, but assured enthusiasts of Netflix’s “100%” commitment to the project. While timelines for this adaptation remain vague, Leitch’s comment suggests steady momentum, which will be welcome news for fans of the franchise.

Taken together, these updates reflect Microsoft’s multi-pronged strategy in gaming and entertainment—one that seeks to keep its ecosystem competitive through new services and cross-media initiatives. Should Xbox proceed with the first-party Game Pass tier, the gaming landscape could see intriguing shifts, especially as rival platforms monitor its impact. Meanwhile, the Call of Duty and Gears of War projects point to Microsoft’s intent to further establish its intellectual properties in Hollywood.