Despite initial speculations and misleading information on the official Xbox website, Microsoft has confirmed that the upcoming Square Enix JRPG title, Visions of Mana, will not be available on Xbox Game Pass. This clarification comes as a disappointment to many fans who were expecting the game to be part of the subscription service, especially following its appearance at the 2024 Xbox Developer Direct.
The confusion began when social media users noticed references to Game Pass on the RPG’s page on the official Xbox website. The preview text field referred to the game as “coming soon to Xbox Series X/S and Game Pass.” However, in a statement to Eurogamer, Microsoft clarified the situation, stating, “We’re aware that Xbox.com included language that indicated Visions of Mana was coming to Xbox Game Pass and can confirm this was an error.” The company emphasized that while they continuously update their library and explore new options to provide value to members, they have no plans to bring “Visions of Mana” to Game Pass at this time.
Visions of Mana, scheduled to be released this summer, marks a significant entry in the beloved RPG franchise, which launches on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam. The game promises immersive graphics and a rich world where nature and the elemental aspects of mana intertwine. It offers players an enchanting semi-open field to explore with fast-paced, multi-dimensional actions in battle. The use of magic from the Elementals is a key feature, enhancing the gameplay experience.
This clarification from Microsoft has quelled the rumors and corrected the expectations set by the earlier error on the Xbox website. Its listing as a day-one Game Pass title was likely a result of a common mistake that, unfortunately, has happened more often than not, with games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur’s Gate 3. These errors typically occur when new games first appear on the store, sparking premature excitement among the gaming community.
Despite not being a Game Pass title at launch, Visions of Mana remains a highly anticipated game for franchise fans. The Mana series, originating as a spin-off of Final Fantasy, has carved its own identity with titles such as Secret of Mana and has maintained a strong fanbase among enthusiasts. Furthermore, the upcoming game represents the first mainline entry in the series in over 15 years, heightening the excitement for its release.
While the initial misinformation may have set an unintended expectation among fans, Microsoft’s clarification has now set the record straight. Although Visions of Mana isn’t a day-one title on Game Pass, its release on multiple platforms, including Xbox, is a testament to the continued partnership between Square Enix and Microsoft.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, such partnerships and collaborations play a pivotal role in shaping the availability and accessibility of games across different platforms.
