Microsoft recently stirred the waters by initially deciding to revoke the free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit for most of its employees by January 2024, a perk that has been in place since 2019. The original plan was to keep this benefit only for Xbox employees while offering a discounted 12-month subscription to the rest. However, following internal pushback, the tech giant has reversed its decision, at least for now.
Key Highlights:
- Original plan was to discontinue free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for non-Xbox employees by January 2024.
- The decision faced internal pushback, leading to its reversal.
- Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO, clarified that the benefit will remain for all employees through 2024 but hinted at a possible revisit of the plan in the future.
The reversal came after some Microsoft employees were informed earlier in the week about the impending discontinuation of the free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit, which led to internal discord.
A leaked memo from Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO, shed light on the reversal, indicating that no changes would be made to the Game Pass availability for Microsoft employees in 2024. He also apologized for the confusion caused by the original announcement and thanked the staff for their continued support.
Microsoft’s initial intention to end this long-standing benefit was seen as a move that elicited consternation among its workforce. The free Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription has been a significant perk for Microsoft employees, allowing them access to over 100 game titles. This benefit has been in place since the service was launched in 2019, with all employees able to claim promo codes for free subscriptions.
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The decision to retain the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for all employees, at least through 2024, could be seen as a measure to maintain employee morale and satisfaction. The response from Phil Spencer and the subsequent reversal of the decision may reflect the company’s approach to valuing employee feedback and maintaining a positive work environment.
While the recent update assures the continuation of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit for Microsoft employees through 2024, there’s a hint that the company might revisit the original plan in the future. It leaves a lingering question about the long-term availability of this benefit for all employees beyond 2024.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s change in stance regarding the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate benefit for its employees reflects a responsive approach to internal feedback. The situation also highlights the significance of employee perks in fostering a positive work culture and retaining staff satisfaction.
