2023 was an exceptional year for Xbox Game Pass, with the subscription service seeing a significant surge of high-quality titles. The total value of games added to the service last year amounted to thousands of dollars across different regions, with figures such as $8,763 in the US, £7,695 in the UK, CA$11,425 in Canada, and similar high values in other regions, as reported by True Achievements. This impressive lineup was a clear indicator of Xbox’s commitment to give valuable delivering value to its subscribers. It’s nearly $2,000 higher compared to the value of the games added to the service in 2022 as well.
The year witnessed the addition of several major titles from both Microsoft and third-party developers. The first-party blockbusters like Starfield, Forza Motorsport, Hi-Fi Rush, and Redfall, led the way, divisive as some of them may be. But, the service also included other significant releases like Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, Atomic Heart, Dead Space, and Remnant 2. These games, some priced at $60 and $70, significantly increased the value of the Game Pass offering.
However, the appeal of Xbox Game Pass extended beyond these big names. A diverse range of indie games like Cocoon and Venba also graced the platform, providing a rich variety of gaming experiences. The service’s value thus wasn’t just in the big-ticket items but also in the breadth of its offerings, catering to a wide range of gaming tastes.
Despite the value of the games at first glance, it’s important to pry deeper. After all, the release date prices of some of the games could prove misleading. Many titles fail to hold their launch value, or might have joined Game Pass due to poor sales or the potentially negative reception. In addition to this, there remain reports that the Game Pass versions of certain games are inferior compared to their counterparts on other platforms, with delayed updates and fixes.
This perspective suggests that while the monetary value of the games added to Game Pass is high, the value it provides gamers might vary based on individual preferences and experiences with each game, like Starfield. This is a fact proven by its dwindling public perception.
To make matters worse, the Game Pass has consistently failed to secure the two best games of the past two years: Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3. Furthermore, it’s concerning that games expected to sell well such as Like a Dragon: Infinity Wealth are skipping the subscription service entirely.
Finally, the dynamics of games being added and removed from the subscription service also play a role in its value. For example, a game added to the service when it’s priced at $20 but removed when it’s $10 offers a different value when compared to a situation where the cost of removed games outweighs that of added games.
Nevertheless, the Game Pass’ value proposition isn’t merely the sticker price of the games it added to its library. It’s also an opportunity for gamers to explore new genres. Many have discovered games and genres they wouldn’t have tried otherwise, thanks to the low-risk environment created by the subscription mode. This aspect of Game Pass arguably adds more value than simply the monetary worth of the games.
As we move into 2024, it’s clear that Xbox Game Pass is more than just a repository of free games; it’s a dynamic service that offers a diverse range of gaming experiences. The total value of games on the service in the year, despite criticisms, demonstrates Xbox’s commitment to providing substantial value to its subscribers.
Whether it’s blockbuster hits, intriguing indies, or the chance to explore new gaming territories, the Game Pass solidifies its position as a crucial component of the video game industry the longer that it’s around.
