Overview
- Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer states that Xbox Game Pass plays a crucial role in supporting modern single-player games.
- The service was designed to provide developers with a counterbalance to the trend of transforming every game into a live-service model.
- A diverse array of single-player games with different budgets is anticipated to launch on Xbox Game Pass throughout 2025.
Xbox Game Pass has proven to be an essential platform for preserving the viability of single-player games, according to Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming. In a recent interview, he discussed how the subscription service has empowered developers to maintain their focus on crafting narrative-driven experiences, rather than succumbing to the pressure of developing live-service games.
The service is approaching its eighth anniversary on June 1, celebrating nearly a decade of offering a Netflix-style gaming experience. Although Microsoft has shifted away from consistently reporting user growth metrics, it has shared significant milestones, like the record revenue achieved for Xbox Game Pass during Q2 of its fiscal year 2025. Despite ongoing scrutiny from shareholders and industry leaders regarding its business model, Microsoft’s commitment to Xbox Game Pass remains unwavering, with the company highlighting its multifaceted benefits.
Microsoft’s Vision: Promoting Diverse Gaming Experiences Beyond Live Services
In his discussion with XboxEra, Spencer recognized the broader industry’s trend toward live-service titles but reaffirmed his stance that Microsoft should not exclusively chase this trend.“I didn’t want to see every game turn into some big service-based game, ”he stated. This vision led to the creation of Xbox Game Pass, a platform that Spencer believes gives room for smaller, self-contained single-player narratives to thrive, alleviating the pressure on developers to rely solely on sales for profitability.
Through Xbox Game Pass, Spencer aims to highlight unique single-player games, helping to safeguard their commercial viability. He confirmed that one of the intent behind the service was “to also support games that have a beginning, middle, and end, ”emphasizing the value of well-crafted single-player experiences.
However, it’s important to note that Microsoft’s internal projects have not completely escaped sales expectations, as evidenced by recent studio closures in mid-2024, including the team behind the successful rhythm game Hi-Fi Rush. Despite Microsoft’s claims of the game’s success relative to its budget, the closures indicate that financial performance remains a crucial factor.
Exciting New Single-Player Titles Coming to Xbox Game Pass in 2025
Expect an influx of single-player games from both Microsoft and third-party developers joining Xbox Game Pass in 2025. Highlights from the late January 2025 Xbox Developer Direct include anticipated titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. In the lead-up to this wave of new releases, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can look forward to playing Obsidian’s Avowed starting February 18. This highly anticipated single-player fantasy RPG has been available in early access since February 13 for players who opted for its premium edition, as well as subscribers to Xbox Game Pass who purchased the $22.49 Premium Upgrade Addon.
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