Microsoft’s subscription serviceXbox Game Passcontinues to prove its worth with a truly dizzying array of titles. Often called the Netflix of video games,Xbox Game Passallows players to have access to a wide variety of games for a set monthly cost, with various payment tiers bringing additional benefits and perks. While there are other options for subscription services out there that gamers can choose from, Xbox Game Pass seems to be one of the most consistently popular and well-regarded in terms of value and content.
The amount of games available to both PC and console players remains high, but the selection does vary from month to month.Titles tend to stay on Xbox Game Pass for around a year, but there is a revolving door policy where new games are added every so often while others are unfortunately taken off the service. There are still plenty for players to choose from, but some might not know just how many they have access to.
RELATED:The Best Games On Xbox Game Pass (July 2022)
What’s On Offer
Not only doesXbox Game Pass offer a selection of current-gen and Day One releases, but it also contains games from all previous generations of Xbox consoles right back to the original Xbox. The backwards compatibility of Xbox consoles has always proved to be a popular feature and was one of the aspects of Microsoft’s platform that helped set it apart from some of its competitors. Xbox Game Pass brings a lot of these games together in the same digital space and lets gamers experience not only recent releases, but gems from the past as well.
There’s also a range of third-party games in addition to ones published by Xbox Game Studios, so players don’t have to worry about missing out due to exclusivity. With Microsoft recentlyacquiring some major studios like Activision Blizzardand ZeniMax, the roster of games that will likely be making their way onto Xbox Game Pass only seems to be growing. Gamers also have access to a number of perks like in-game content and cosmetics, as well as deals and offers on purchasable titles.
However, there are some caveats. Xbox Game Pass does have some console and PC-exclusive titles, so players will find some games won’t be available to them depending on what platform they’re using. These drawbacks aside, there are currently 477 titlesavailable for consoles on Xbox Game Pass, and 411 available for PC. With over 400 titles across the subscription service, players can explore a multitude of different gaming worlds, getting many hours of enjoyment from the titles on Game Pass.
The Variety Of Games On The Service
From massive industry-leading AAA titles to smaller indie experiences,Xbox Game Pass really has it all. Depending on what floats their boat, players have access to a wide range of different games to suit any mood. Whether they want to indulge in a bit of mindless violence or have their heart broken by an intense narrative title, there’s probably a game that will scratch that itch. With literally hundreds of games for players to choose from, not all of them are going to be up their street, but there’s probably a good number that will be.
Xbox Game Pass is full of some excellent games, likeGiant Sparrow’s 2017What Remains of Edith Finch. The first-person exploration game takes players to an ill-fated house where generations of the Finch family have lived out their cursed days. Through a linear journey that encompasses each of the rooms and parts of the grounds, players learn about their lives as they play through sections of different gameplay styles and designs. It’s a beautiful, poignant game that shows the originality of game design and leaves an impression long after the credits roll.
For Star Wars fans, there are a number of excellent titles to enjoy, from the multiplayer-focusedStar Wars: Battlefronttothe critically-acclaimed single-playerStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. With a sequel on the horizon, players who haven’t yet tried out the latter game should definitely give it a go so that they can practice their lightsaber skills ahead of its launch.
If players are looking for something a bit more lighthearted, they should check out thecolorful pirate caperSea of Thieves. Developer Rare partnered with Microsoft Studios to launch this multiplayer action-adventure game, and while its first few months were a little rocky,Sea of Thievessoon found its sea legs. With a slew of seasonal events to engage with and its fair share of piratical nonsense to enjoy,Sea of Thieveshas garnered an active player base and an invested group of fans ever since its launch.
RELATED:Best FPS Games On Xbox Game Pass
The Future Of Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, with more titles confirmed for the rest of 2022 and even some upcoming games lined up to join the service in 2023. Games that players can expect to see this year include Obsidian’s narrative adventure title with an interesting painterly aesthetic,Pentiment, andHello Neighbor 2, the follow-up to the popular stealth horror title. Next year looks like it will have an even more impressive line-up of games with big-hitters like the vampire shooterRedfalland Bethesda’s highly-anticipated RPGStarfield.
For gamers that want to try games before they buy, or who just love to consume all the latest titles and play some lesser-known ones too, Xbox Game Pass is the perfect solution. With the option to make use of Cloud Gaming and EA Play alongside the other perks of Xbox Game Pass, the service offers a lot of flexibility. Microsoft clearly has big plans for the service over the coming years, especially with competitors likeSony trying to come up with its own versionof a worthwhile subscription to appease PlayStation owners.
With the future of video games becoming increasingly digital as the years go by, it seems like more and more mighttry and emulate Microsoft’s subscription model. Some may lament the decline of physical disks, and with not everyone able to access stable internet connections, the move to digital and online-only could be a massive pain. However, it seems like that’s where the industry is heading, and withXbox Game Passalready ahead of the curve in many ways, it looks like gamers have a future filled with video game variety to look forward to.
