Microsoft reveals a rare look at concrete Xbox Game Pass earnings, with the subscription breaking $230 million in subscriber revenues in a month's time.
The Xbox Game Pass subscription service has been on a generational roll these last few months, and there really doesn't seem to be an end in sight.
Oblivion Remake
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Doom: The Dark Ages
Metaphor: ReFantazio
All of those in just 40 days!
I´m not gonna even mention the upcoming day one games for the rest of the year, because its not even fun anymore.
Gamepass is simply the best thing that happened to gamers!
Even more now with games costing $80+ while economy is in the toilet.
I know some people disagree with you simply because of your username and what you have said in the past but here you are absolutely right there is zero doubt that game pass is the best service available especially with the game prices going up
Microsoft owns the most Studios they own the most IP's so they are the biggest publisher in gaming
So why aren't GamePass subs growing at any rate worth mentioning? Why do they need Playstation to keep their whole gaming division afloat?
edit: Yes, GamePass is a great deal, a really great deal. That is for sure.
Neutralgamer.
Well said, MS got their ass whooped into a working strategy lol. MS will continue to make consoles for the foreseeable future, but they are now capitalizing on what has always been their forte, Software, and platform integrations.
It's kind of similar to Nintendo in that regard, the Wii U did poorly, and made Nintendo rethink the whole console stance, and lean all the way into where the dominated, Handhelds, they consolidated their console and handheld departments and are now stronger than ever.
But that's the thing right. If something is so great, then why isn't everyone jumping on board? The vast majority of gamers do not want to subscribe, and it looks like they'll never subscribe for any meaningful length of time. It's just not going to happen. That's clear now I think. Still the best deal in gaming, for those who like it though. Can't deny that.
2/4 are above average games. 1 being way above average. The rest are $20 dollar throwaways and that's if you feel you have to play them. No subservice is worth the rental price.
OpenCritic and Metacritic
Oblivion Remake - 82
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - 92
Doom: The Dark Ages - 85
Metaphor: ReFantazio - 93
What game did you say that's average?
Scores are given for marketing purposes. There are only 2 games on that list that are actually above average.
Why do people ask questions when they actually are making statements?
Anas
First of all you are objectively wrong according to gamer reviews and media reviews. And 2nd of the all GP is an amazing service if you have the time to play and try different games. It would have been a great service when we were in school. It's great for families on a budget since they can pay one price and their kids can play all sorts of games
As far as for hardcore gamers I signed up years ago and my subscription is ending this year, I will not renew because for me personally it's not worth it since I don't play as many games and I like to buy the games I play. For some weird reason even when I rented from blockbuster (yes I am that old 😁) or gamefly in the back of my mind was always I need to finish it and try something else
We can't deny that MS has the most Studios and IP's under their belt and they have the resources to use them too. Whether that's sequels or remasters like we just got. I think fact is Xbox fans over hype the GP and Playstation fans downplay it. Somewhere in tbe middle is the sweet point
@Neutral
Game reviewers are an arm of the marketing team.
Renting is always bad for the customer.
Doom is an average game. Oblivion is a below average game.
Anast, you're flailing here. I would opt out before going further. All of the games are good games, some are just better. Even Doom TDA is over 4.5/5 on PSN store.
Edit: In fact...
Oblivion Remake - 4.66
Clair Obscur - 4.9
Doom TDA - 4.76
Metaphor - 4.74
That's from Sony gamers.
The past few months of xbox game pass have been very good. But how many subpar months were there leading up to this? And how many great games will they have in the future? Game prices are super expensive now but so is xbox game pass and pricing wise, I just don't have the time to play enough games for xbox game pass to be worth it. If they ever release the family and friends package, then maybe.
You're really reaching here, all of those are good games, I'd happily play any of those for hours, Oblivion might not be that appealing to me, and the new Doom game might be the weaker of the recent DOOM games... But they're still top tier games.
Never seen anyone who purposely owns themselves with each and every comment you make. Pretty incredible if you ask me.
Scores are given because they're good games. Oblivion is 9.3/10 on PS store and very positive on steam. That isnt a below average game in the slightest. Nothing to do with marketing
Good Lord my guy. I know you dont even believe some of the stuff you type. Instead of reading a comment and getting tight.... Take a deep breath and exit the comment section. You're better than this.
lol anast is a fraud
He claims to dislike these games or that they’re low quality just because they’re Xbox games or on gamepass
But on his PSN profile, he has spent countless hours on these games, and gotten numerous trophies
Starting from November of last year to now has been incredible if you're on PC GamePass and a COD player. Seems like all the studios are delivering in the same time frame. I'll keep on for the rest of the year and then take a break for a year or so and let the studios catch up.
Definitely worth it if you’re a day one purchaser of games, and like to zip through them one after the other. I don’t have that much time these days to spend playing games so I will usually wait until they are on sale for 40% or more. I also don’t play through them quickly hence the reason for my huge backlog.
I agree but none of these games are exclusives. But I agree with games costing over 80 dollars aren't good for Sony and Nintendo fans
You do love embarrassing yourself, no? Yeah yeah reviews are for marketing purposes just like for Sony’s blockbusters or that doesn’t count?! Just stop it!
It's funny they used the red ring of death for the thumbnail. People don't think this stuff through.
I'll disagree that this service is worth it. I don't play games as quickly as I used to, so I can still buy games when I want to play them and on a sale and come out on top. Steam also allows me to share my game library with my family. That is worth more in my opinion.
So pick your preference at this point, but I'm still making my way through my game library, and the fact that I can play PS5 games on Steam and Microsoft games on steam and share those games is super cool.
its not xboxs hot streak, its that we've had good games come out lately and ms gave them money to have their hames on the service.
meanwhile, they've been selling like hotcakes on the other platforms.
And?
Does the notion that the games are available elsewhere diminish the value of Game Pass offering?
no absolutely not, but you know i never said that.
but there are reasons as to why they're on gamepass, lets also not forget that
Sarah previewed Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster at PAX East 2025 on the Nintendo Switch 2—here’s what stood out during her hands-on demo!
The FTC has officially dropped its case against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
"The sweet smell of tax dollars burning"
They never stood a chance. It was a lost cause from the start. And yet, still, they´d decided to go ahead and double down on their bs to bleed the taxpayer even more.
@slate: “ The sweet smell of tax dollars burning “
The smell of political donations endorsements under the table.
There I fixed it it for you
We all knew Microsoft plan of “10 years of all systems publishing “ and some of its supporters happy that after all the games would be “exclusive to Xbox “ now that things have changed and Microsoft got humbled by the lost of money from CoD going down from OVER A BILLI🤑N to
MILLI😩NS the sales failing of games that would released on PlayStation and be forced by INVESTORS asking for their M🤑NEY to grow faster than the next 10 years it is obvious that it would be a waste of money to continue this litigation.
Edit:@obscured: “ They never stood a chance. It was a lost cause from the start “
Same as your grievance stages.
Have you passed the bargaining stage yet ? Or are you still on the anger stage 🤣
I think they're convinced now that MS won't (and can't) withhold releases from conpeting platforms. MS on the street corner now like, "Who wants a taste?!"
That's how it always starts, "I'll just work this street corner for a short while until I get caught up on my bills..."
Oh yeah, they're totally gonna make Xbox exclusives again, with the hardware they're totally committed to selling and making available lol
As far as I'm aware, the only 'deal' that was discussed was for Call of Duty. Xbox had no obligation to make any of their other games multiplatform. They did that of their own accord.
**btw, I'm talking about street food vendors, just in case there's any confusion!
https://external-content.du...
I've seen videos and talk a online speculating MS long game. Some think that MS multiplat move is use to appease the FTC so they can buy more and is somehow a move that could get Sony to open up their platform. In other words them going third party and letting their games go everywhere. MS possible scheme and ulterior motives, speculated by Jeff Grubb is that putting Xbox store on PS via regulation Which would hurt PS buissness very badly because that 30% cut would be even less or not a cut at all. MS buys more because they're "playing nice" by opening up its platform to Epic store and steam which would force Apple and Sony to open up their ecosystem to other stores like MS.
If that's the case that'll mean as I said before, PS fans buying Cod on PS via MS store would give 100% maybe even 90% of the money being pocketed by MS while Sony's store front wanes when it comes to third party because guess what? MS is buying more third party and preying off the extreme ignorance of the FTC. Manipulation of the FTC and MS overtaking the PS store and customers
My thing is this. I know it's a opinion and speculation but why does Sony have to open up its store or force them to go multiplat? If they still believe in selling their freakin console then let them do it. If they want to provide the best games and the best content for its fans then let them do it!? Why because the competition is trash at selling games and consoles for 14 years now Sony has to change? MS using the ignorance of the FTC to overtake gaming as we know it?
Again it's just talk and opinion but man this seems very, very possible imo.
Well, at the time, I actually did think the FTC and CMA did a poor job in court. But also the judge.
Having said that - it is what it is.
If 75bn mergers in any industry ain't a threshold to deny them, then I don't know what is.
As far as your thoughts about other 3rd parties getting taken over in the future go:
I think publisher buyouts are off the list now. I think it would be reeeeally difficult for MS to win another trial try taking over any other publisher.
But smaller studios ... maybe.
However, right now I can't see studios out there advocating for a buyout from Microsoft.
That isn't to say an announcement of such couldn't drop on Monday already. Because we today know that Microsoft had approached a plethora of other studios in 2018 to 2021, such as IOI, CD Project, etc.
We'll see. And we can't do anything about it. It's up to trade commissions and then probably courts to decide.
"I think publisher buyouts are off the list now. I think it would be reeeeally difficult for MS to win another trial try taking over any other publisher."
That's the thing MS is ticking all the boxes by not have anything be exclusive so the CMA/FTC see that they're doing "fair practice" in games and content distribution. Which technically greenlits more aquisions or it makes it easier for acquisitions because MS is a mega publisher now.
"However, right now I can't see studios out there advocating for a buyout from Microsoft."
Hopefully not but them going multiplat could entice Studios to join MS because nothing is not longer exclusive which means more money for them, studio and teams.
We can't do nothing about it but Sony can. They can block xbox games on their console (lose that 30% cut) but Sony won't do that because that's money that will be lost and Sony runs a buissness. That's the only way to hurt or slow down Xbox.
I'm probably over thinking it as I do these things but it's something we shouldn't just ignore and be weary of MS motives here. I'm keeping an eye on them.
The idea that Microsoft is manipulating the FTC and forcing Sony to open its platform is silly and has no evidence to back it up. Microsoft’s multiplatform approach is 100% due to past failures and its laughable position in the gaming industry. Their best attempt was a fluke and a lie, brought on by Sony’s missteps and a poorly made machine that broke down too often.
Sony would never allow themselves to be "forced" to do anything; they control their platform and storefront perfectly fine without the need or desire to add an unnecessary Microsoft storefront. Even if, by some flaw on Sony’s part, Microsoft were able to introduce its store on PlayStation, Sony would adapt rather than collapse. Digital storefront competition already exists (Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Store), and PlayStation’s business won’t suddenly "wane."
Also, regulators like the FTC don’t operate on ignorance—they actively assess market behavior to prevent monopolies. Microsoft isn’t secretly overtaking gaming with some ultimate scheme. The industry might be changing or shifting (for the worse, in my opinion), but Sony will continue evolving based on market trends, not because of alleged schemes.
Gaming isn’t about one company "playing nice" or another being "forced" to change—it’s about making money with games, something Microsoft has yet to achieve in 25+ years.
"The idea that Microsoft is manipulating the FTC and forcing Sony to open its platform is silly and has no evidence to back it up."
That's why I said it was all speculation that's what Jeff Grubb opinion. I made that clear several times. You know what's funny? When Jim was in court ppl got mad at the FTC for protecting Jim Ryan instead of the consumer. Maybe he was right to worry about his business. Now look Releasing Xbox games on PS keeps MS studio an a float. Now Xbox games are all over PS now. Maybe Jim was onto something.
MS is still competing with Sony just in a very different way. The FTC back down mainly means they can buy more and MS next steps can proceed. We'll have to see what happens in the future but I wouldn't be so sure on your stance.
@Lightning77
MS putting games everywhere is the most consumer friendly thing I've seen a game company do.
@InUrFox
What does "putting everywhere" actually mean?
This book has so many pages.
• Xbox was dying in revenue
• Regulators put a 10 year deal on CoD
• Microsoft had to give away the streaming
• Spencer himself only offered 3 yrs initially
And most importantly
• Again, Xbox was dying in revenue
Xbox have the benefit of their actual financial situation giving regulators and courts the impression they release games everywhere, what they actually do.
But for reasons they can't be proven guilty of anything in court.
I'm not judging, it's just what it is.
IF the Series generation would have developed differently and was much more successful, I don't hesitate any second to believe in what Spencer had originally planned to do:
• Make everything Xbox exclusive
• We today know that Spencer had also approached Sega, From Software, CD Project, Nintendo, and even Valve was on their list of buyouts.
MS are playing a card here everyone knows why they are doing it.
Putting Doom "everywhere", which even was it already before it got bought, ain't a MS thing.
It would had hurt them in many ways if they'd put it exclusively to Xbox.
But, no matter what - it is what it is.
Xbox bought themselves back into the game. And I think many people just don't have very fond feelings towards this behaviour, wether on corporate nor private levels.
Let's see how they'll run with it.
In 2030, but most importantly after regulations will have expired we will learn better.
Seemed like a lost cause anyway. Microsoft gambled and it paid off big time. That's what you call a big boss move. Sony played a huge part in the success of that acquisition.
But Jim Ryan said Gamepass is not sustainable.
Ahh so 23million divided by $15 per month = 15.3million subscribers.
They say they have 20-30 million.
So now we know they have as many not paying as those who are. Either through Microsoft rewards which they're stopping... or conversion stacked subs. Or maybe something else I'm not aware of.
With all the numbers Leaking about how much they paying Each dev a MONTH and Yearly. its no wonder xbox division has yet to turn a profit and gamepass is far from being profitable at all. with the big leaks and the amount they paying game wont ever be profitable as it is now
Revenue or profit 🤔