New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a historic price drop in Game Pass subscription plans. But it came with a cost.

While the monthly subscription fee for the Ultimate Plan went down to $22.99, day-one access to Call of Duty games was removed from the tiers.

After that, fans have been worried about the future of the Forza franchise within the Game Pass subscription plans. However, Xbox and Microsoft expert Jez Corden has dismissed such speculation on the latest episode of the Xbox Two podcast.

"Forza was always designed with Game Pass in mind. So it's already costed up into their business model, the fact that it's gonna be part of Game Pass," Jez highlighted before explaining, "Forza is a bit different. Forza's not like that (Call of Duty). Forza was always designed around Game Pass, or Game Pass was designed around Forza, vice versa."

The Forza franchise is an original Xbox Game Studios series and an integral part of the Game Pass subscription. While most other popular titles (EA Play) were acquired later, the Forza titles remain popular games within the tiers.

Although day-one access has been removed from the Game Pass subscription tiers, previous titles will still be available in certain tiers.

Also, Call of Duty's major fanbase prefers outright retail buys, whereas Forza's revenue and game time are often directly tied to the Game Pass subscriptions.

The subscriptions are getting cheaper, with speculation rife about an even cheaper 'Starter Edition' plan in the works. However, the Forza fear stems from one particular thing.

Forza Horizon 6 Set for May 19 Release

Xbox is set to come out with the latest installment in the Forza franchise, Forza Horizon 6, on May 19 this year. Early access is available to Premium Edition buyers four days before release.

Set in the Japanese region, Forza Horizon 6 will offer users the largest open world in franchise history, accentuating the hype around the upcoming title.

The pressing matter is the fact that day-one access to Forza Horizon 6 is currently available to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass subscribers. This means Game Pass subscribers will be able to enjoy Forza Horizon 6 from May 19.

However, fans fear a Call of Duty-like fate for the Forza franchise. If Jez Corden's words ring true, Forza fans will be able to access the latest installment on Day One through the Game Pass subscription.

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Written by

Abhisek Bajaj

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason