Game Pass
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Game Pass.
Microsoft is Having Discussions About Xbox Exclusives, Ecosystem and Publishing – RumorMicrosoft executives are reportedly engaged in significant discussions regarding the future of Xbox, including its exclusivity strategy, ecosystem approach, and publishing model. These conversations are prompted by concerns over the rising cost of Game Pass and the desire to define Xbox's identity as either an ecosystem-first or publisher-first company. Internal memos suggest a need to re-evaluate Game Pass's value proposition for players and explore more flexible system designs.
Gamer Loses Entire Library After Microsoft Account Hack Goes WrongA PC gamer lost their entire digital game library after their Microsoft account was hacked and subsequently deleted by support. The incident highlights concerns about digital ownership and the vulnerability of game collections stored on corporate servers. This event serves as a cautionary tale for both gamers regarding account security and for companies like Microsoft on how to handle compromised accounts.
Subscription service for indie games gets a rough receptionA new subscription service called Indie Pass has launched, offering a curated catalog of indie games for $6.99 per month. The service has faced criticism regarding its revenue model, which compensates developers based on playtime, and concerns about not owning the games. While some see potential for discoverability, many express skepticism about adding another recurring charge and launcher.
Xbox could make Game Pass cheaper, and even bundle it with NetflixMicrosoft is reportedly exploring new strategies for Xbox Game Pass, including the introduction of cheaper subscription tiers and potential bundles with services like Netflix. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is investigating ways to make Game Pass more accessible to a wider audience, with discussions already underway between Microsoft and Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters regarding bundle possibilities.
Windows 11 Xbox Mode Turns PCs Into Gaming Consoles This AprilMicrosoft is releasing an "Xbox Mode" for Windows 11 in April 2026, transforming PCs into a console-like interface optimized for controllers and handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. This feature aims to improve performance by reducing background processes and freeing up RAM, while also integrating Xbox Game Pass and the Xbox Store. The move has generated excitement for handheld PC gaming but also concerns from PC purists about increased Xbox integration and potential privacy issues, with some questioning its necessity compared to existing solutions like Steam Big Picture mode.- Game the Halls: GeForce NOW Brings Holiday Cheer With 30 New Games in the CloudNVIDIA's cloud gaming service GeForce NOW is adding 30 new games to its library this month, including Hogwarts Legacy. The Game Pass edition of Hogwarts Legacy will be supported when the Steam and Epic Games Store versions launch on the service later this month.