Whether you love or dislike it, Xbox Game Pass has revolutionized the gaming landscape. While subscription models offering libraries of games are not new, the inclusion of AAA titles at launch was a groundbreaking move.
The impact of Game Pass has been substantial and largely positive, enabling numerous games to thrive. By broadening their player bases and granting developers more creative freedom beyond traditional sales pressures, many titles experienced success that might not have been possible otherwise.
In this article, we delve into eight remarkable games that benefited significantly from their association with Xbox Game Pass.
8 Outriders
An Explosive Start
Outriders owes a significant part of its success to Xbox Game Pass. Launched in April 2021, it made a grand entrance by being available on the service from day one, allowing countless players who might have been reluctant to purchase it at full price to dive in.
Within just the first month, Square Enix reported an astonishing 3.5 million unique players, and Game Pass was instrumental in driving that remarkable interest.
This extensive player base fostered a strong community right from the start, prompting Square Enix to consider it as a potential franchise, despite a quiet response from the publisher thereafter. Without Game Pass’s ability to reduce entry barriers, Outriders might not have achieved such rapid traction initially, although its long-term success has been a bit shaky.
7 State Of Decay 2
This One Refused to Stay Dead
When State of Decay 2 released in 2018, it failed to impress critics but found new life through Game Pass, which allowed explorers of the zombie survival genre to test it without any financial commitments.
The game’s debut on Xbox Game Pass resulted in over a million players within the first 48 hours, and it quickly exceeded two million players in just two weeks. This remarkable surge could not have been achieved through traditional sales, particularly given its lukewarm reviews.
Game Pass permitted players to explore and provide valuable feedback, enhancing the game through updates and expansions, ultimately transforming it into an ongoing community project.
6 Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy
The Galaxy’s Biggest Comeback
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy was packed with well-developed characters, engaging writing, and a fantastic soundtrack; however, it initially struggled to attract players upon release due to disappointing sales figures.
When it finally made its debut on Game Pass in 2022, it opened the doors for many hesitant players. With reduced financial risk, new players eagerly joined the adventure.
This influx of players led to increased buzz on social media, and even the developers acknowledged Game Pass’s crucial role in reviving interest in the game. Without this wave of newcomers, Star-Lord and his crew might have been lost in the cosmos for good.
5 A Plague Tale: Requiem
Swarms Of Rats, And Also Players
Following its predecessor, A Plague Tale: Innocence, Requiem faced the difficult challenge of living up to expectations. Fortunately, launching on Xbox Game Pass in 2022 contributed significantly to its success.
In its first week, the game garnered over one million players, a feat that can be attributed largely to Game Pass’s reach.
The slower-paced, narrative-rich experience of Requiem might have struggled for visibility without the platform’s support. Game Pass made it accessible for gamers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the intriguing story and stunning visuals.
4. Yakuza Franchise
The Dragon Of Dojima Comes To The West
Once regarded as a cult classic confined to PlayStation platforms, the Yakuza franchise saw a dramatic evolution when it became available on Xbox Game Pass.
This expansion introduced titles such as Yakuza 0, Kiwami, and Kiwami 2 to a broader audience, unveiling the series’ unique blend of crime, humor, and engaging side activities.
Developers have noted that the subscription service played a critical role in growing the franchise’s Western audience, prompting Sega to consider localizing Japan-exclusive spinoffs for a global audience.
Game Pass effectively transitioned Yakuza from a niche experience to a chart-topping phenomenon.
3 No Man’s Sky
A Little Help For The Redemption Arc
No Man’s Sky experienced a tumultuous launch and garnered a reputation for unmet expectations. However, Hello Games remained committed to improving the game through persistent updates over the years.
The game’s addition to Xbox Game Pass in 2020 marked a turning point, allowing a no-commitment opportunity for players to experience its significant evolution, leading to over a million new players within the first month.
This resurgence brought the game its largest active player count since its launch, finally affirming its status as a successfully revived classic.
2 Pentiment
This Is What Game Pass Is For
Pentiment stands out as an exceptional title that likely wouldn’t have seen the light of day without the backing of Xbox Game Pass. Obsidian developed it as a slow-burn, 16th-century mystery featuring a distinctive hand-drawn art style.
This type of bold and unique concept often faces resistance from indifferent publishers, but Game Pass shifted the dynamics. It provided Obsidian the freedom to explore creativity without the pressure of mass sales expectations.
As players engaged with Pentiment through Game Pass, they quickly embraced its intricate storytelling and decision-making mechanics. In fact, the developers admitted that they wouldn’t have pitched it without Game Pass. Such innovative titles are precisely what the industry requires, and it’s encouraging that Game Pass supports their discovery.
1 Sea Of Thieves
From Shipwreck To Flagship
Sea of Thieves exemplifies the transformative power of Game Pass. Upon its initial launch in 2018, while the pirate adventure was entertaining, it lacked content depth, causing many players to quickly lose interest.
Thanks to Game Pass, millions explored the game, which exceeded expectations and allowed Rare to meet their ambitious player goals in just one day. The continuous inflow of new players kept the community vibrant while the developers diligently added fresh content.
In time, the player base soared beyond 25 million, illustrating that Game Pass was essential for its longevity. With this support, Sea of Thieves established itself as a flagship title and a substantial success for Xbox’s live service initiatives.
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