Microsoft is spending up to $50 million on separate deals for Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft is paying up to $50 million for select games for Xbox Game Pass, according to an updated LinkedIn resume by the company's former senior business manager, Ian McIntyre, Windows Central reports.

McIntyre noted that during his time at Microsoft, he negotiated hundreds of deals, including those exceeding $50 million. These amounts could have involved large projects, such as collaborations with Riot Games (League of Legends, Valorant) or Epic Games (Fortnite).

The new information comes amid a slew of layoffs at Microsoft, which laid off 9,000 employees in July, including at its Xbox division. Some of the criticism has been directed at Xbox Game Pass, which analysts say could hurt retail sales and long-term profitability.

Microsoft hasn't updated its official subscriber count since February 2024, when it had 34 million subscribers. Even the most conservative estimates suggest the service is bringing in over $300 million a month, with most users signing up for a $20-a-month subscription.