The Ups and Downs of Xbox Game Pass have been well documented over it's relatively short-lived lifespan thus far. I have been a part of the Xbox Game Pass community for quite some time now. It's opened up a world of gaming possibilities for me (especially the indie game scene), and I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience. But as with most things in life, there are pros and cons to this fantastic service.
The Benefits of Xbox Game Pass
There is no denying that Xbox Game Pass has revolutionized the gaming landscape. With an ever-growing library of games available for a monthly fee, it's like a virtual buffet for gamers. I have discovered countless titles that I would have never played otherwise. The service allows me to try out games before deciding whether to commit my time and money to them. Plus, with new releases being added regularly, I never run out of options.
Another benefit of Xbox Game Pass is its cost-effectiveness. For a reasonable monthly fee (like $15 bucks), we have access to hundreds of games across various genres. This has saved me a fortune in direct game purchases, which can get to be quite expensive these days. And with Microsoft's commitment to including their first-party games on the service from day one, I have enjoyed the likes of Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 without having to buy them separately.
The Drawbacks of Xbox Game Pass
Despite the numerous advantages, there are some pitfalls to Xbox Game Pass. One of the most significant drawbacks is the inconsistent availability of games. Titles can be removed from the service with little notice, which can be frustrating. This leaves me constantly worrying about whether I'll be able to finish a game before it disappears from the catalog.
Wario64 recently announced on Twitter that the following games will be leaving Xbox Game Pass on May 1st:
Dragon Quest Builders 2
Destroy All Humans
Unsouled
Bugsnax
Tetris Effect: Connected
Many folks have been thoroughly enjoying Dragon Quest Builders 2, especially, and now will be left scrambling to complete it before it's gone. This sudden removal of games can leave players feeling pressured and rushed, taking away from the overall enjoyment of the gaming experience.
Another drawback of Xbox Game Pass is that it may encourage a "quantity over quality" mindset. With so many games at my fingertips, I sometimes find myself hopping from one title to another without giving any single game the attention it deserves. This can lead to an overwhelming backlog of games and a feeling of never truly experiencing the titles we're playing.
April's New GamePass Additions
In terms of new additions to Game Pass, a fresh selection of April titles are now accessible for play. We can now enjoy the following games:
Loop Hero
Iron Brigade
Ghostwire: Tokyo
NHL 23
Minecraft Legends
Additionally, Redfall is set to make its debut on May 2nd for PC and Xbox Series X|S. It's worth noting that Redfall will be locked at 30 frames per second on consoles, with a Performance Mode feature scheduled for future implementation.
Bottom Line
Xbox Game Pass is a fantastic service that has provided me with hours of entertainment and a wealth of gaming options. However, it's not without its drawbacks. The inconsistent availability of games and the pressure to complete titles before they're removed can lead to a less enjoyable gaming experience. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether the service is right for you, and always keep an eye out for announcements regarding which games are leaving the service to avoid disappointment.
~Smash
I loved gamepass when I had it but I find subscription services are not for me. I’d rather pick games up on sale either digitally or physically and attack them at my own pace