Game Pass In 2025 Is Making Me Dust Off My Xbox

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I’ve typically viewed my Xbox Series primarily as a Game Pass device. It’s generally a smart investment, but in reality, I ended up spending more money than the time I spent on the games it provided. With titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Blue Prince, and many others set to launch this year as day one releases, I’m now dusting off my reliable Xbox Series from Microsoft.

Growing up, Xbox was a significant part of my childhood, as it introduced me to games that shaped my taste in entertainment. A clear memory is when my brother brought home an enormous box containing Knights of the Old Republic, a game that would later influence my preferences in gaming. Another distinct recollection is playing Halo: Combat Evolved at a relative’s house for the first time, which ignited my curiosity about the diverse worlds beyond the familiar, family-friendly games I was accustomed to on Nintendo.

At a certain time, much like numerous youngsters seeking acceptance either online or in real-world social groups, I briefly participated in the console conflicts, standing firm with the black and green faction. To my fellow Xbox comrades, it was unbeknownst to them, but one of my all-time favorite games remains Final Fantasy VII. I had no reason to share that detail with them.

Lately, I’ve been less active with Xbox, and the company seems content with this trend among long-term users like myself. They frequently emphasize their focus on the Game Pass, which aims to create a flexible environment where Xbox games can be enjoyed across various platforms. To clarify, this is corporate jargon I’m accustomed to hearing, as it’s become a common theme in discussions about the company’s strategy.

2024 saw me limiting my gaming on Xbox Series S primarily to two titles: Persona 3 Reload and a dash of Black Ops 6. In total, I spent approximately 117 hours engaged with these games on the Microsoft console last year.

In simpler terms, I played Football Manager 2024 for 130 additional hours on PC due to my subscription. Previously, I was spending quite a bit every month without getting much value in return. Only managing to play around 250 hours while shelling out $20 monthly for the Ultimate plan felt like giving away money.

After canceling my subscription, I didn’t feel any regret or longing for a brand that has significantly influenced me over the last 20 years plus. Granted, if you believe the value for money was beneficial to you, I can understand that perspective. However, on a personal level, I couldn’t find it compelling enough.

I didn’t take a liking to Indiana Jones. I tried out MachineGames’ Wolfenstein FPS games, but they didn’t appeal to me. Call of Duty felt like the routine shooter you’ve grown accustomed to, with the promised Warzone Verdansk map constantly delayed until it no longer held my interest. As for Hellblade 2, I never even played the initial game.

It’s clear that Game Pass has had some interesting releases. I’ve reached an age where not everything catches my fancy, but still, something surprising occurred…

At the start of the year, Avowed sparked a moment of contemplation in me: “Perhaps it’s time to reactivate my small reliable Game Pass subscription”. Unexpectedly, Blue Prince arrived on the platform. A game combining indie, roguelike elements and puzzles? That certainly sounds appealing.

Next up, we have The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Although I’ve never been drawn to this series, I understand its significance, especially with the massive buzz surrounding a supposedly disastrous launch – one that could be considered the biggest letdown in gaming history. This intrigue might just persuade me to jump aboard and explore what all the fuss is about.

If you aren’t already excited, let me remind you that I mentioned Final Fantasy VII as one of my all-time favorite games and Knights of the Old Republic played a significant role in my early years. Given this, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, being an RPG, is precisely the type of game I’m eager to appreciate. And

Looking ahead, I’m incredibly excited to dive into Doom: The Dark Ages and give Tony Hawk’s newest version a spin, regardless of whether it stirs up nostalgic feelings or not. Hearing whispers about a Persona 4 Golden remake for the same platform? Count me in!

2025 looks set to be the breakthrough year for Game Pass. Although my personal connection with Xbox has deteriorated, I remain eager to witness their subscription service thrive. At the very least, they’ve managed to motivate me to give my Series S a good clean, maybe for one last adventure together.

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2025-04-24 21:42