One of the biggest tells of Xbox’s investment in the service was when it began acquiring studios to bolster the services offered titles. The acquisitions took the industry by storm with Xbox acquiring more niche developers like Double Fine and eventually purchasing behemoth studios like Bethesda as well. The service got even better within the last year when it was announced thatXbox Game Pass subscriptions would include EA Play, which added even more massive franchises likeMass Effect,Dead Space, andBattlefieldto the service. Xbox also focused on adding games to the service the day they release, making it an even more enticing deal for players.
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First-Party Day One Releases on Xbox Game Pass
One of the earliest tells of Xbox’s commitment to Xbox Game Pass was the announcement that all first-party Xbox titles would appear on the service day one on both Xbox consoles and PC. The service has already had a big number of first-party titles premiere on the service, with even more waiting in the future. Some of the day one releases have been massive AAA titles such asMicrosoft Flight Simulator,Forza Horizon 4, andGears 5. Other AAA first-party titles like thepirate MMOSea of Thieveshave been able to grow and evolve since their release thanks to the service encouraging more players to check them out.
Xbox Game Pass has also allowed more niche first-party games to find a bigger audience or even secure funding through Xbox. These include games likeWasteland 3,Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition, and evenGears Tactics. The service has proven to be so friendly for those niche experiences thatWasteland 3is even getting multiple expansionswith its second planned for this summer.
Third-Party Day One Releases on Xbox Game Pass
Games That Left Xbox Game Pass After Launching On It Day One
Xbox Game Pass has also thrived on bringing third-party titles to the service on day one as well. These titles also boast a large range from small indie titles likeGenesis Noirto bigger AAA titles likeOutriders. The service has proven to be a big boon for these titles, withOutriderspublisher Square Enixeven expressing its surprise at how successful the service was for its looter shooter.
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Upcoming Confirmed Day One Releases on Xbox Game Pass
One of the most impressive aspects of Xbox Game Pass, however, is that the service shows no signs of slowing down. ThisAugust is already stacked with day one releaseslikeHadesandPsychonauts 2, and there are plenty more games that players have to look forward to coming to Xbox Game Pass. Of course, this includes big announced first-party games likeHalo InfiniteandStarfield, but it also includes all of the unannounced projects by massive studios like Bethesda, Arkane, and Obsidian.
The service also has some high-profile third-party games coming its way in the future. These include titles likeContrabandand the highly anticipated zombie survival gameBack 4 Blood. There are undoubtedly more third-party games that will be announced to be heading to the service, and it seems that Xbox doesn’t plan on letting the service lose steam anytime soon. With all of the studios that Xbox has acquired it will be very interesting to see what sort of experiences come to the service.
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