Microsoft announced on the 1st that the recent Xbox Game Pass price hike will not immediately apply to existing subscribers in certain regions, including South Korea. The company attributes this decision to local regulations governing subscription-based services.

The Game Pass structure has seen a shake-up, and with it, the inevitable climb in subscription fees. The 'Core' tier, formerly known as Essential, has jumped 36% to 10,800 KRW, while the 'Standard' tier, which replaces the previous Premium model, now sits at 14,900 KRW—a 25% increase. Most jarring is the 'Ultimate' tier, which has surged by 52% to 29,000 KRW. While Microsoft argues that the higher price brings additional membership perks, consumers in major markets like the U.S. are finding the 50%-plus hike quite hard to swallow.

However, there is a silver lining for existing subscribers using automatic renewals in specific countries. For now, the price hike only targets new sign-ups or those who cancel and resubscribe. Existing members in countries including South Korea, Germany, Ireland, Poland, and India remain shielded from the new rates for the time being.

Microsoft explained to The Verge, "Existing subscribers in some countries will continue to renew at their current price, subject to local requirements. We will provide advance notice before any adjustments occur." The company has committed to a minimum 60-day notice period for those users before the new pricing takes effect.

It is a different story in major markets like the U.S., where existing subscribers must brace themselves for the new rates starting November 4th. With the highly anticipated 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 6' on the horizon, the timing of this increase has left many local fans feeling rather disgruntled. Some savvy users are already suggesting stocking up on 1-month Ultimate prepaid codes, which are still retailing for 20 dollars on platforms like Amazon.