Microsoft's practices regarding Xbox Game Pass have been quite controversial, and things are only set to get worse now that the Federal Trade Commission is getting involved.
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Earlier this month, Microsoft announced price increases and a slew of other changes to its Premiere subscription service for consoles and PC. In addition to the price increases, a new tier is being introduced that does not include day one releases. The announcement did not go down well with consumers, who have been turning to resellers to get Game Pass codes. Now, the Federal Trade Commission is getting in on the action, today penning a letter to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit arguing against the company.
In the letter obtained by Games Fray, the FTC argued that Microsoft's price-gouging actions are unwarranted and harmful to consumers, especially after several well-documented layoffs. The FTC also argued that these practices are evidence of "a company exercising market power post-merger."
Additionally, the letter alleges that the company contradicted itself regarding Call of Duty’s availability on Game Pass, originally saying the FPS franchise would be available on day one with no price increases. The letter concluded with the FTC asking the courts to investigate further.
