The Evolution and Expansion of Xbox Game Pass

The Evolution of Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass has revolutionized gaming by providing players access to a library of over 100 high-quality games for one low monthly price. The service first launched in 2017 and has grown tremendously since then, cementing itself as an essential subscription for Xbox owners.

The Launch of Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass made its debut on June 1, 2017, allowing Xbox One and Xbox One S owners to download and play over 100 Xbox One and backwards compatible Xbox 360 games. The base subscription was $9.99 per month, a fraction of the cost of buying all those titles individually. Over 40 new Xbox One games were added in the first year, including Halo 5: Guardians, NBA 2K18, and Rise of the Tomb Raider.

The initial Game Pass library focused primarily on Xbox console exclusives, third-party hits, and critically acclaimed indies. Microsoft owned studios like Turn 10 and Rare supplied marquee games like Forza Motorsport 7 and Sea of Thieves. Meanwhile, key partnerships with publishers like 2K, Devolver Digital, and Warner Bros. filled out the catalog.

Xbox marketed Game Pass as a way for players to experience more games for less money. They no longer had to commit to buying titles at full price. The service also encouraged discovering new genres and franchises. Casual gamers could dabble across a range of blockbusters and hidden gems.

Xbox Game Pass for PC

In May 2019, Microsoft announced Xbox Game Pass would be coming to Windows PC. Xbox Game Pass for PC launched that June, granting members unlimited access to over 100 Windows 10 games. The library included Microsoft titles like Gears 5 and Age of Empires alongside third party highlights such as Football Manager 2020 and Imperator: Rome.

Xbox Game Pass for PC was designed as a separate subscription from the console version. But in September 2019, Microsoft bundled Xbox Game Pass for console and PC together under the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan for $14.99 per month. Ultimate subscribers could enjoy the benefits across Xbox One and Windows 10 devices.

The introduction of Xbox Game Pass for PC opened the service up to a massive new audience. Now both console and computer gamers could enjoy the constantly evolving catalog. Microsoft also positioned Game Pass as a killer feature for its upcoming cross-platform xCloud game streaming technology.

Major Publisher Additions

In 2020, Xbox announced a wave of game additions from major third party publishers like Electronic Arts, Sega, and Bethesda Softworks. Franchises like FIFA, Yakuza, and Doom bolstered the Game Pass lineup.

That November, Microsoft revealed a bombshell acquisition of Bethesda Softworks and its parent company ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion. The deal added Bethesda’s past and future games to Game Pass on launch day, including highly anticipated titles like Starfield and The Elder Scrolls VI.

Other publishers struck similar agreements over the next two years. Square Enix announced Kingdom Hearts would launch day-and-date on Game Pass. Ubisoft+ Classics brought Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry to the service. And Riot Games made League of Legends spin-offs exclusive to Game Pass on consoles.

Cloud Gaming Integration

In September 2020, Microsoft integrated Xbox Game Pass with its xCloud game streaming technology. Ultimate subscribers gained access to over 150 games playable on Android devices via the cloud. This allowed gaming on the go across phones, tablets, and browsers.

Microsoft bolstered xCloud's capabilities by adding custom server blades with Xbox Series X hardware in late 2021. This enhanced performance and loaded times for cloud gaming. Xbox also collaborated with TV manufacturers to build Game Pass and xCloud directly into smart TVs.

Cloud gaming freed Xbox Game Pass from hardware restrictions. Gamers could enjoy AAA new releases through the service on virtually any screen. For Microsoft, this dramatically expanded Game Pass accessibility and reach.

Acquiring Major Studios

Beyond Bethesda, Microsoft went on an epic shopping spree for game studios starting in 2018. Acquisitions included RPG masters Obsidian Entertainment, Scandinavian developers Ninja Theory and Playground Games, and iconic studios like Double Fine.

These purchases guaranteed a steady stream of exclusive first-party games for Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft added immense talent while taking it away from competitors. Established franchises like The Outer Worlds, Psychonauts, and Forza Horizon flowed into Game Pass on launch day.

Microsoft solidified its commitment to first-party content in January 2022 by announcing plans to acquire Activision Blizzard for nearly $70 billion. This deal would incorporate Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush into Xbox Game Pass after closing.

Expansion to New Platforms

In 2021, Microsoft brought Xbox Game Pass to iOS and PC browsers via a streaming workaround. Subscribers could play cloud-based games like Sea of Thieves and Grounded without downloads or installations.

The real game-changer came in December 2021 when Microsoft launched Xbox Game Pass on the Steam Deck. Players could enjoy the benefits and extensive library of Game Pass on Valve’s new handheld PC, adding to the service’s tremendous value.

In January 2023, Xbox Game Pass became available on PlayStation consoles after lengthy negotiations between Microsoft and Sony. This groundbreaking expansion opened Game Pass to tens of millions of new PlayStation owners.

The State of Xbox Game Pass Today

Five years after launch, Xbox Game Pass has redefined the gaming landscape. It has over 25 million subscribers as of 2023, making it the Netflix of video games. The library has swelled to over 400 titles that leverage Xbox exclusives, major publishers, and cloud gaming.

On consoles, PC, and mobile devices, Xbox Game Pass provides outstanding value with continual new additions. It now features day one access to games from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, Activision Blizzard, and more. Cloud gamingallows play anywhere, expanding accessibility.

Microsoft positions Game Pass as the foremost gaming subscription. Huge investments in content and technology pay off in the form of exclusive games and platform availability. Ultimately, Xbox Game Pass has become the definitive Xbox experience.

FAQs

What is Xbox Game Pass?

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service from Microsoft that gives players access to a catalog of over 100 games on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC for one monthly fee.

How much does Xbox Game Pass cost?

The Xbox Game Pass console plan is $9.99 per month. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes console, PC, and cloud gaming, is $14.99 per month.

What games are available on Xbox Game Pass?

The library includes new Microsoft exclusives, third-party hits, and acclaimed indies. Major franchises like Halo, Forza, and Yakuza are available on launch day.

Can I play Xbox Game Pass games on my phone?

Yes, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can play over 100 cloud-enabled games on Android devices using xCloud game streaming technology.

Does Xbox Game Pass include online multiplayer?

Online multiplayer requires an Xbox Live Gold subscription for console games. Xbox Game Pass for PC and Ultimate plans include online multiplayer at no extra cost.