The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a new complaint with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals against Microsoft following dramatic and continuous price increases for Game Pass. The FTC characterizes these price hikes as an attempt by Microsoft to recover financial losses from the Activision Blizzard acquisition by passing costs onto customers.

Microsoft Game Pass Faces Troubling Times

Tensions between the FTC and Microsoft continue to rise. The FTC, which previously opposed Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard on the grounds that it would create unfair competition in the market, allowed the purchase under the condition that Microsoft would not increase Game Pass prices and would honor various guarantees.

However, the FTC is now seriously upset over Microsoft’s failure to keep its promises. FTC attorney Imad Abyad stated that Microsoft’s removal of valuable games from its new service and price increases for existing users are inconsistent with the previously given assurances.

Microsoft had pledged not to raise Game Pass prices in its defense against the FTC’s preliminary injunction to block the merger. Despite this, Game Pass fees have increased twice in the past seven months. Additionally, Microsoft ended its ‘Day One’ service, which provided all new games to Game Pass subscribers from the first day of release.

The FTC is displeased with Microsoft’s recent policies regarding Game Pass. The commission’s latest move, which includes appealing the Activision Blizzard sale and opening a new investigation into Microsoft’s Game Pass practices, is eagerly awaited.

What are your thoughts on the recent price hikes for Xbox Game Pass? Do you think the commission is justified in launching this investigation? Feel free to share your views in the comments.