Subscription Services
Ongoing coverage on Subscription Services.
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Xbox Game Pass failed to hit subscriber targets because most people don't play lots of games, says analyst, and going indie won't save it: "I don't see a solution"
Industry analyst Mat Piscatella suggests that Xbox Game Pass failed to meet subscriber targets primarily because the average consumer does not play many games. He argues that focusing on indie titles would further alienate the mainstream audience and worsen the service's outlook. Piscatella believes that the subscription model itself faces significant challenges in the current market, stating he sees no viable solution for Game Pass's struggles.
Here Are Your Free PlayStation Plus Essential Monthly Games For August, 2026
PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers will receive Dying Light 2, Big Walk, and Signalis for free in August 2026. Dying Light 2 is highlighted for its zombie-infested world and cooperative gameplay.
Sony Confirms PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for August 2026, Headlined by Dying Light 2: Stay Human
Sony has announced that Dying Light 2: Stay Human - Reloaded Edition will be one of the PlayStation Plus monthly games for August 2026. This offering is part of the ongoing benefits for PlayStation Plus subscribers.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
This article analyzes the impact of Xbox Game Pass, discussing how subscription services, cloud gaming, and streaming were intended to revitalize Xbox. It argues that these strategies may be negatively affecting the company's overall business.
YouTube Premium will soon include Peacock at no extra cost
YouTube Premium subscribers will soon receive ad-supported Peacock at no additional cost. This new bundle is set to launch early next year, integrating the streaming service into the YouTube Premium offering.
How to Play FC 27 Early: Pre-Order Access & EA Play Trial Guide
Players can access EA Sports FC 27 early by purchasing the Ultimate or Ultimate Plus editions for a 7-day head start, beginning September 18, 2026. Alternatively, an EA Play subscription offers a 10-hour trial on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox starting the same date, with progress carrying over to the full game.
Meccha Chameleon ranks second behind Fortnite in PC revenue for June | Newzoo charts
Meccha Chameleon achieved significant success in June, ranking as the second-highest revenue-generating PC title behind Fortnite according to Newzoo. The indie hit, developed by Lemorion_1224 and Hagneiro, has sold over 15 million copies since its June 10 launch. Newzoo's report also highlighted the sustained commercial momentum of live-service titles and the impact of subscription services on game lifecycles.
Xbox Starts Testing Ad-Supported Cloud Streaming Tier Through Insider Program
Xbox has begun testing a new ad-supported tier for its cloud streaming service exclusively for Xbox Insiders. This tier will feature session limits and display ads before gameplay begins, but will not include a built-in game library and is separate from Game Pass. The company emphasizes that this optional service aims to lower access costs and expand player audiences, with ads designed to be non-intrusive and relevant to the player.
My Nintendo adds Super Mario World desktop metal display, Splatoon Raiders memo pad
My Nintendo has added two new physical rewards in North America: a Super Mario World desktop metal display for paid Nintendo Switch Online members and a Splatoon Raiders memo pad. Both items can be redeemed using Platinum Points, with the Super Mario World display being an exclusive for subscribers.
Amazon Luna cloud gaming platform now added to Prime Video in the US and UK
Amazon has integrated its cloud gaming service, Amazon Luna, into Prime Video for subscribers in the US and UK. This integration allows Prime members to access a library of over 100 games, including titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Hogwarts Legacy, directly through the Prime Video app on Fire TV devices. Amazon aims to make game discovery more natural and accessible for its Prime subscriber base.
Forza Horizon 5’s ex-creative director pins Xbox’s turmoil on Game Pass
Mike Brown, former creative director for Forza Horizon 5, suggests that Xbox's recent turmoil, including layoffs and project cancellations, stems from Game Pass failing to meet subscriber and revenue targets. He argues that Microsoft invested heavily in the subscription service and studio acquisitions based on projections that did not materialize, leading to financial strain.
Playstation Plus is saying goodbye to these games in August 2026
Sony Interactive Entertainment's PlayStation Plus service will remove Dead Island 2, Harold Halibut, and seven other titles in August 2026. This affects subscribers who may lose access to these games on PlayStation 5.
Xbox Game Pass isn’t "viable" with so few subscribers, says former Forza lead bracing for more…
Former Forza Horizon 5 director Mike Brown stated that Xbox Game Pass is not viable due to insufficient subscriber numbers, leading to recent studio layoffs. He believes the service's player-focused concept, while well-intentioned, has not met the necessary financial targets. Journalist Jason Schreier also noted that some Xbox studio leadership detest Game Pass, viewing it as detrimental to game value and the industry.
Xbox Game Pass Is Going Somewhere You Probably Forgot About
Xbox Game Pass is now available as a starter edition for Meta Horizon+ subscribers, offering over 50 games via cloud streaming on Meta Quest headsets. This partnership allows Horizon+ users to access a selection of AAA and indie titles, though cloud streaming is limited to 10 hours per month and requires a high-speed internet connection. Meta Quest controllers will soon emulate Xbox controllers, with the option to pair an existing Xbox controller.
Meta Horizon+ subscriptions now include Xbox Game Pass starter edition
Meta is now including a starter edition of Xbox Game Pass with its Meta Horizon+ subscriptions. This bundle aims to enhance the value proposition for users of Meta's VR platform.
XBOX and Meta: More Ways to Enjoy XBOX Game Pass
Xbox and Meta are expanding their partnership, integrating a starter edition of Xbox Game Pass into the Meta Horizon+ subscription. Eligible Meta Horizon+ subscribers will now receive access to over 50 games, 10 hours of cloud gaming monthly, and rewards. This builds upon existing access to Xbox and Game Pass on Meta Quest devices.
Xbox Game Pass was a good idea in theory, former Forza Horizon 5 director says, but "the reality is not enough people have subscribed"
Former Forza Horizon 5 director Mike Brown believes Xbox Game Pass was a good concept but failed due to insufficient subscriber numbers at necessary price points, leading to studio closures and layoffs. He noted that while the service was player-focused and funded many games and studios, the financial reality did not align with Microsoft's ambitious expectations. Brown also expressed admiration for former Xbox leaders Sarah Bond and Asha Sharma.
Sony Quietly Retracts PlayStation Plus Premium PS5 Game for July
Sony has corrected an earlier announcement regarding a PlayStation Plus Premium game for July, clarifying that Indigo Prophecy/Fahrenheit is not receiving a new PS5 port. Instead, the PS4 version from 2016 is being added to the catalog, which the article notes does not perform optimally on the PlayStation 5.
"The concept of [Xbox] Game Pass was good" despite its eventual faceplant now contributing to mass job losses, reckons Forza Horizon 5 director
Mike Brown, former creative director for Forza Horizon 5, believes the concept of Xbox Game Pass was fundamentally good, despite its current struggles leading to significant layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. He suggests that while the service was a well-intentioned, player-focused idea, it failed to gain enough subscribers at the necessary price point to be financially viable. Brown also defended Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, acknowledging their roles in the Game Pass push while noting the harsh criticism they face on social media.
The Biggest Critics Of Xbox Game Pass May Be Inside Xbox
Internal criticism within Xbox suggests that Xbox Game Pass has devalued games and negatively impacted the industry, with some leaders viewing it as a detriment. Despite its initial promise, the subscription service has faced challenges including price increases and shifting tiers, with even its own leaders questioning its success and impact on major franchises like Call of Duty.