Technologies

Verum: Xbox Game Pass Prices Drop as New Gaming Head Vows to ‘Recommit’ to Players

Microsoft reduces Game Pass subscription costs as its new gaming executive pledges to reconnect with core Xbox players, while upcoming Call of Duty titles will no longer be included at launch.

On Tuesday, Microsoft announced a reduction in subscription fees for services that grant access to a vast library of video games, following the new gaming executive’s pledge to ‘recommit to our core Xbox fans and players.’

The premium Game Pass Ultimate tier, enabling users to download games on PCs and Xbox consoles as well as stream them on mobile devices, has been reduced to $22.99 monthly from $29.99, according to a company blog post. The PC-focused Game Pass plan now costs $13.99, down from $16.49.

Upcoming releases in the ‘Call of Duty’ series will no longer be included in these subscriptions upon launch. Gamers will have the option to purchase the games at release — with the newest title priced at $69.99 — or wait until the following holiday season to access older versions in the interim.

This adjustment reflects an effort to restructure the Xbox division by Asha Sharma, a former Meta executive who took over as Microsoft’s gaming chief in February, replacing Phil Spencer.

Gaming accounted for 7% of Microsoft’s total revenue in the fourth quarter. The division’s revenue fell approximately 10% compared to the previous year, while Azure cloud services, LinkedIn, Microsoft 365 productivity tools, and Dynamics business software all saw growth of at least 10%. Hardware sales dropped 32% after Microsoft halted development of two games, ‘Everwild’ and ‘Perfect Dark.’

Revenue from Xbox content and services, which excludes hardware sales, fell short of internal projections, Microsoft’s finance chief Amy Hood stated during a conference call. She revealed an unspecified impairment charge in the gaming business, which expanded in 2023 through the $75.4 billion acquisition of ‘Call of Duty’ publisher Activision Blizzard.

Sharma informed employees in an internal memo that Game Pass had become too costly, The Verge reported earlier this month. Microsoft increased the price of Game Pass Ultimate by $10 to $29.99 per month in October. The company stated in 2024 that Game Pass had 34 million subscribers.

‘Our players span a wide range of geographies, preferences, and tastes, so while there isn’t a single model that’s best for everyone, this change responds to a lot of feedback we’ve gotten so far,’ Microsoft said in Tuesday’s blog post.

WATCH: Microsoft Gaming CEO and Xbox President Phil Spencer leaving Microsoft effective immediately

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im