FTC calls new Xbox Game Pass Standard a "degraded product," says the subscription changes are "exactly the sort of consumer harm" from the Activision merger it alleged could happen

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 screenshot.

The Federal Trade Commission isn't happy with Microsoft's recently announced changes to Xbox Game Pass and has submitted a new filing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, calling the upcoming Standard subscription tier an example of "product degradation."

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the prices of Xbox Game Pass Core and Ultimate are going up on September 12 for existing customers – for new customers, those changes have come into effect already. In addition, it was confirmed that the regular ol' Console tier of Game Pass is being replaced by Xbox Game Pass Standard – a more expensive option that includes online console multiplayer but removes day-one game releases as a consistent benefit. It's slightly confusing, but a FAQ page notes: "Some games available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one will not be immediately available with Xbox Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date."