Xbox Game Pass is a key pillar of Microsoft’s strategy in the console world and now, after more than a bit of lead up, Microsoft have confirmed that the same style of game subscription is coming to PC. It’ll be called Xbox Game Pass still, but it’s a separate entity that’s been built for PC gamers.
It will launch with over 100 PC games for Windows 10, bringing together developers and publishers like Bethesda, Deep Silver, Devolver Digital, Paradox Interactive and SEGA. Thanks to a new commitment to the Win32 app format, this could include a new range of games that were previously not available through the Microsoft Store and, just as with the subscription on Xbox, it will include games from Microsoft’s internal studios on PC on the day of launch. That will include the gradual roll out of Halo: The Master Chief Collection on PC.
However, Microsoft know that you might not want to use Game Pass, let alone the Microsoft Store to buy games – they might have spotted the bad rap that Epic Games now has from the Epic Games Store. Because of that, they’ve committed to releasing more Xbox Game Studios games on Steam. That will start this year with Gears 5, Halo: The Master Chief Collection and all Age of Empires I, II & III: Definitive Editions, as part of more than 20 Xbox Game Studios games coming to Steam.
The main thing that isn’t clear is whether or not those subscribing to Xbox Game Pass for Xbox One will also have access to Xbox Game Pass for PC through the same subscription of if it will be separate. Expect this and plenty more about the service to be shared at E3. Microsoft’s press briefing will kick off at 1PM PST (9PM BST, 10PM CEST) on Sunday, 9th June.
Source: Xbox
MrYd
Doesn’t the current XBox Game Pass let you play games on PC anyway? No PC only games, but any XBox games that have a PC version?
So now they’ll add PC games that may or may not be on XBox as well, and call it the same thing? Just to confuse things?
Everyone used to say “a Netflix for games would be a great idea”, with a whole load of games available for 1 monthly fee, like Netflix was. Now it’s going to be dozens of competing things with different selections of games for lots of monthly fees. Like Netflix is dealing with now.
Stefan L
Well, it’ll get cleared up at E3. Up until now, having a sub on Xbox One enabled you to play Xbox Play Anywhere games on PC as well.