Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, recently spoke about how Xbox Game Pass has helped maintain the diversity and viability of modern single-player games. This statement was made during an interview in which Spencer also credited Xbox Game Pass for assisting some studios in resisting the temptation to shift toward live-service models.
June 1 will mark the eighth anniversary of Xbox Game Pass's launch, a service often compared to Netflix for gaming. Although Microsoft no longer shares consistent user growth figures, they occasionally highlight key metrics, such as the record revenue Xbox Game Pass generated in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. Despite the business model being scrutinized by various stakeholders, including shareholders and publishers, Microsoft continues to maintain that Xbox Game Pass is both viable and highly advantageous in multiple ways.
Spencer discussed one key benefit of Xbox Game Pass in a recent XboxEra interview, where he emphasized the role of the service in keeping single-player games viable. "Part of our reason for trying to get a subscription going was to also support games that have a beginning, middle, and end," he explained. In line with this, he also hinted that Double Fine Productions’ next project would be another single-player game.
While acknowledging the gaming industry’s shift toward live-service titles, Spencer stressed that he never wanted Microsoft to focus exclusively on such games. "I didn’t want to see every game turn into some big service-based game," he stated, further explaining why Xbox Game Pass was launched. Spencer now views the service as a way to spotlight smaller single-player experiences while helping studios reduce their dependency on traditional sales, thereby making them more financially sustainable.
Although Xbox Game Pass helps support single-player titles and offers studios a way to avoid chasing live-service trends, Microsoft's own projects still face commercial pressures. This was evident when several Xbox studios were closed in mid-2024, including the team behind Hi-Fi Rush, a rhythm game that Microsoft had touted as a success despite its modest budget.
Looking ahead to 2025, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can expect several exciting single-player titles. This includes games featured in the January 2025 Xbox Developer Direct, such as Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Additionally, Avowed, the highly anticipated single-player fantasy RPG from Obsidian, will be available on Xbox Game Pass starting February 18. For those who purchased the Premium Upgrade Addon or have a subscription, early access to the game began on February 13.
June 1 will mark the eighth anniversary of Xbox Game Pass's launch, a service often compared to Netflix for gaming. Although Microsoft no longer shares consistent user growth figures, they occasionally highlight key metrics, such as the record revenue Xbox Game Pass generated in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. Despite the business model being scrutinized by various stakeholders, including shareholders and publishers, Microsoft continues to maintain that Xbox Game Pass is both viable and highly advantageous in multiple ways.
Spencer discussed one key benefit of Xbox Game Pass in a recent XboxEra interview, where he emphasized the role of the service in keeping single-player games viable. "Part of our reason for trying to get a subscription going was to also support games that have a beginning, middle, and end," he explained. In line with this, he also hinted that Double Fine Productions’ next project would be another single-player game.
While acknowledging the gaming industry’s shift toward live-service titles, Spencer stressed that he never wanted Microsoft to focus exclusively on such games. "I didn’t want to see every game turn into some big service-based game," he stated, further explaining why Xbox Game Pass was launched. Spencer now views the service as a way to spotlight smaller single-player experiences while helping studios reduce their dependency on traditional sales, thereby making them more financially sustainable.
Although Xbox Game Pass helps support single-player titles and offers studios a way to avoid chasing live-service trends, Microsoft's own projects still face commercial pressures. This was evident when several Xbox studios were closed in mid-2024, including the team behind Hi-Fi Rush, a rhythm game that Microsoft had touted as a success despite its modest budget.
Looking ahead to 2025, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can expect several exciting single-player titles. This includes games featured in the January 2025 Xbox Developer Direct, such as Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Additionally, Avowed, the highly anticipated single-player fantasy RPG from Obsidian, will be available on Xbox Game Pass starting February 18. For those who purchased the Premium Upgrade Addon or have a subscription, early access to the game began on February 13.
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