Juggling multiple gaming subscriptions is getting expensive, and a new rumor suggests Microsoft may be looking for a way to make Xbox Game Pass Ultimate feel like a better deal again. The talk is that Game Pass Ultimate could eventually include access to popular paid memberships such as World of Warcraft, Minecraft Realms, and Fallout 1st.
The idea is gaining attention because Game Pass Ultimate has been under pressure recently. After a price increase that pushed the Ultimate tier to around $30 in October, some subscribers reportedly walked away. Microsoft’s latest quarterly earnings also showed a drop in revenue on the content and services side, adding to the sense that the company needs a stronger value pitch to keep people from cancelling.
According to the rumor, Microsoft could try to reverse the trend by bundling additional subscriptions inside Game Pass Ultimate, specifically ones that normally require ongoing monthly payments. From a value standpoint, World of Warcraft stands out the most, since its membership can cost up to $14.99 per month. Fallout 1st and Minecraft Realms would also appeal to players who are already paying separately for those perks.
Still, even supporters of the concept admit it’s far from guaranteed. Including World of Warcraft in particular raises big questions about cost and logistics. If Microsoft added a full WoW subscription to Game Pass Ultimate, it could be difficult to do without either limiting what’s included or risking yet another price increase. One possibility floated is that access might need to be narrowed, such as focusing on only one version of the game (since WoW memberships currently cover both modern retail and classic). Another option would be adjusting which features are included through a partnership approach, leaving some extras outside the bundle.
There’s also the platform issue: World of Warcraft remains a PC-only game, which could limit how exciting this sounds to console-first Game Pass users. But that concern may matter less if Microsoft’s next Xbox hardware moves closer to a Windows-based approach. Reports suggest the next system could be built around an AMD Magnus APU and run on Windows, which could open the door for more PC-only experiences on console hardware. Adding to that, Blizzard has reportedly been making user interface changes that make the game more comfortable to play from the couch with a controller.
The bigger picture is clear: Microsoft appears to be in a race to strengthen Game Pass Ultimate before more subscribers decide the price isn’t worth it. Bundling big-name memberships like WoW, Minecraft Realms, or Fallout 1st could be a powerful way to make the subscription feel more “all-in-one,” especially for players already invested in those ecosystems.
At the same time, the future direction of Game Pass is still sparking debate. There are concerns about how tiers could change and whether some users might lose uncomplicated access to day-one releases unless they pay more. For now, the rumored subscription bundles hint at a strategy focused on adding value—but whether it happens, and what it would actually include, remains uncertain.
