8 Games That Owe Their Success To Xbox Game Pass

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Xbox Game Pass has revolutionized the way we engage with video games, whether you’re a fan or not. While others might have previously provided subscription libraries, incorporating top-tier (AAA) games on the first day of release was a groundbreaking move that significantly altered the gaming landscape.

There’s no arguing that Game Pass has achieved great success and positive reception among players. Numerous games have thrived thanks to its platform, either by reaching a vast player base or by benefiting from the unique artistic liberty often hard to come by under traditional sales objectives.

Without Game Pass’s assistance, many games might not have achieved the same level of achievement. Here are eight examples.

8.
Outriders

An Explosive Start

One significant factor behind Outriders’ success is that it debuted on Xbox Game Pass. This looter-shooter game was made available to subscribers right from its launch in April 2021, providing millions of potential players with an opportunity to try it out without paying the full price upfront.

In the opening month, Square Enix recorded over 3.5 million individual gamers, with Game Pass significantly contributing to this surge of enthusiasm.

From its inception, Outriders boasted a large player community due to its extensive fanbase. This strong showing even caught Square Enix’s attention, leading them to consider it as a possible franchise (although they have been quiet about this). Without Xbox Game Pass helping to break down barriers, the game likely wouldn’t have garnered such rapid popularity. Regrettably, the game’s success was short-lived.

7.
State Of Decay 2

This One Refused To Stay Dead

2018 saw the release of State of Decay 2, which may not have been a hit with critics initially, yet thanks to Game Pass, many interested gamers had the opportunity to explore it.

In the first 2 days of its release, the sequel to the zombie survival game became instantly popular on the service, attracting over a million players. Two weeks after that, the player count doubled to more than two million. This rapid growth wasn’t just due to sales; even with mixed reviews from critics, word-of-mouth recommendations played a significant role.

With Game Pass, individuals had an opportunity to experiment without concerns about negative criticisms. Enthusiasts dived in, offered feedback, and remained engaged as developers addressed issues and broadened the game’s scope.

If not for the convenient access provided, State of Decay 2 might have gone unnoticed by numerous individuals who ultimately grew fond of it. Game Pass transformed it into a long-term collaborative endeavor among the gaming community.

6.
Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy

The Galaxy’s Biggest Comeback

At its debut, Guardians of the Galaxy lacked one crucial element – active players. Despite boasting excellent writing, endearing characters, and a fantastic soundtrack, initial sales fell significantly short of Square Enix’s predictions, causing concern that it might quickly become forgotten.

In 2022, when the game became available on Game Pass, those who had been hesitant to pay the full cost decided to give it a try using their subscriptions.

Word-for-word translation: The news about it spread rapidly. Comments and player feedback were everywhere on social platforms. In fact, the developers themselves acknowledged Game Pass for reviving the game. If not for this huge influx of fresh players, Star-Lord’s team could have remained stranded in space.

The news traveled fast about it; comments and player feedback blew up on social networks. Even the developers openly admitted that Game Pass played a crucial role in reviving the game. Without this massive surge of new players, Star-Lord’s team risked being forever stranded in space.

5.
A Plague Tale: Requiem

Swarms Of Rats, And Also Players

Following the unexpected success of A Plague Tale: Innocence, Requiem faced a considerable challenge. However, it managed to meet expectations, largely due to its availability through Xbox Game Pass.

On its debut, the game was made available through the service in the year 2022, and almost instantly, the impact was noticeable. Focus Entertainment reported that the game attracted more than a million players within its first week. It’s clear that Game Pass significantly contributed to such a substantial player count.

As a passionate gamer, I can say that a more leisurely-paced, mid-range title like Requiem might’ve had a tough time garnering such widespread appeal. However, Game Pass turned out to be the perfect platform, making it effortless for gamers like me to immerse ourselves in its heartrending narrative and visually stunning world, becoming instantly captivated.

4.
Yakuza Franchise

The Dragon Of Dojima Comes To The West

For quite some time, Yakuza had been a cherished choice among PlayStation gamers, appreciated by a dedicated and compact fanbase. However, when Sega moved the series to Xbox Game Pass, everything took a new turn.

By incorporating games such as Yakuza 0, Kiwami, and Kiwami 2 into their collection, a previously untapped audience was introduced to the thrilling blend of crime storytelling, karaoke sessions, and unusual chicken races.

Developers openly acknowledged that services such as Game Pass significantly expanded the Western fanbase of the series, even persuading Sega to adapt Japan-exclusive spins for a worldwide launch.

Through Game Pass, Yakuza transformed from a niche treasure admired by few into a widely acclaimed worldwide sensation.

3.
No Man’s Sky

A Little Help For The Redemption Arc

In the realm of video games, few launches have been as tumultuous as that of No Man’s Sky. The hype was enormous, aspirations soared to great heights, but alas, the initial version of the game didn’t quite live up to its promises. This was all too familiar to those who experienced it at launch.

Through dedication and hard work, Hello Games consistently improved their project. Over time, they dug in and refined the game, ensuring that it evolved into its intended form.

In 2020 when the game was added to Xbox Game Pass, interest in it skyrocketed, reaching an unprecedented peak. Game Pass offered a risk-free opportunity for people to experience the game’s updates, leading over a million novice players to give the game a try within just one month.

A huge surge in players pushed No Man’s Sky to record-breaking numbers not seen since its initial release, ultimately securing its position as a truly rehabilitated and astonishing video game.

2.
Pentiment

This Is What Game Pass Is For

To put it simply, Pentiment is truly exceptional, yet it’s a game that likely wouldn’t have seen the light of day without Xbox Game Pass. Obsidian initially presented it as a slow-mystery set in the 16th century with an unusual, hand-drawn aesthetic. Typically, such a risky concept would be shied away from by most publishers.

With Game Pass, the norms were flipped. This service allowed Obsidian the creative liberty to develop an unusual project, as they no longer needed to worry about selling vast quantities to ensure its success.

Individuals discovered the game Pentiment via a subscription service, and were swiftly captivated by its intricate narrative and thoughtful decision-making mechanics. The developers themselves acknowledged that they might not have released it without Game Pass’s support.

Pentiment stands out as unique, inventive, and just the sort of game the industry could benefit from seeing more of. It’s fantastic that Game Pass offers a platform for lesser-known, specialized games to reach their audience.

1.
Sea Of Thieves

From Shipwreck To Flagship

Sea of Thieves essentially paved the way for how Xbox Game Pass could catapult a game into popularity. When it debuted in 2018, Rare’s pirate adventure was enjoyable but somewhat lacking, and the majority of players abandoned ship within a few months. However, due to Game Pass, millions of intrigued gamers gave it a try.

* They far exceeded predictions, reaching their three-month target for players in a single day. A steady influx of new players ensured that activity remained vibrant, with developers continually introducing fresh content to keep things exciting.

As I delved deeper into the world of Sea of Thieves, the player community continued to expand, surpassing the 25 million mark and showing no signs of slowing down. Without Game Pass, I believe this game might’ve found itself in troubled waters. But with it, Sea of Thieves transformed into a long-lasting triumph, becoming one of Xbox’s most successful live service games.

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2025-05-19 17:39