Game Pass Games Leaving Soon: A Comprehensive Guide & FAQs
So, your Game Pass library is looking a little too comfy, eh? It’s time for the inevitable: some games are packing their bags and heading off into the digital sunset. The circle of life applies to Game Pass too, and knowing what’s leaving and when is crucial to maximizing your subscription.
Based on recent reports, here’s a list of titles departing from Game Pass soon:
- Coffee Talk — cloud, console, PC
- Exapunks — PC
- Ghost Song — cloud, console, PC
- Gungrave: G.O.R.E. — cloud, console, PC
- Football Manager 2023 — PC
- Football Manager 2023 Console — cloud, console, PC
- Lapin — cloud, console, PC
- Townscaper — cloud, console, PC
This list isn’t exhaustive, and dates can change, so keep an eye on the official Game Pass app and Xbox Wire for the most up-to-date information. Now, let’s dive deeper into the swirling vortex of Game Pass departures with some FAQs:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Games Leaving Game Pass
H3 FAQ 1: How do I know when a game is leaving Game Pass?
Microsoft is pretty good about letting subscribers know in advance when games are leaving. Keep an eye out for the “Leaving Soon” section on the Game Pass app on your console, PC, or mobile device. You can also check the official Xbox Wire news blog. They typically announce leaving games a couple of weeks before they’re removed.
H3 FAQ 2: What happens to my save data when a game leaves Game Pass?
Don’t panic! Your save data is usually stored in the cloud, linked to your Xbox account. So, even if a game leaves Game Pass, your progress won’t vanish. If you decide to purchase the game later, either digitally or physically, you should be able to pick up right where you left off. However, to be absolutely sure, especially with indie titles, it’s always a good idea to double-check that cloud saves are enabled in your Xbox settings.
H3 FAQ 3: Can I still play a game after it leaves Game Pass?
No, you can no longer play the game through your Game Pass subscription once it has been removed from the service. However, you have two options:
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Purchase the Game: Game Pass subscribers usually get a discount on games available on the service. This is an excellent opportunity to buy a game you enjoyed and keep it permanently.
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Physical Copy: If you prefer physical copies, you can purchase it from any retailer that sells Xbox games.
H3 FAQ 4: Does Game Pass have a set schedule for removing games?
There’s no exact date or schedule for when games are removed, but it generally happens twice a month, typically mid-month and towards the end of the month. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements from Xbox.
H3 FAQ 5: Why do games leave Game Pass anyway?
Game Pass works on a licensing model. Microsoft makes deals with publishers to have their games available on the service for a set period. When the licensing agreement expires, the game is usually removed. Think of it like renting a movie – eventually, the rental period ends.
H3 FAQ 6: Do games ever return to Game Pass after being removed?
It’s rare, but it happens! Sometimes, Microsoft renegotiates deals with publishers, and a game might reappear on Game Pass after a hiatus. Never say never!
H3 FAQ 7: Does uninstalling a game that’s leaving Game Pass affect my save data?
Uninstalling a game has no impact on your save data, so long as you make sure you’re saving to the cloud! As mentioned previously, your save data is stored separately and is linked to your Xbox account.
H3 FAQ 8: What’s the difference between Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold?
Xbox Live Gold was a subscription primarily for online multiplayer access. It has now been replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core, which offers a curated library of games and online multiplayer access. Game Pass, on the other hand, provides access to a rotating library of hundreds of games. Game Pass Ultimate includes Game Pass for console and PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud), and Xbox Game Pass Core.
H3 FAQ 9: How can I get Xbox Game Pass for free or cheaper?
There are a few ways to potentially save money on Game Pass:
- Microsoft Rewards: Earn points by using Bing and other Microsoft services, then redeem those points for Game Pass subscriptions.
- Deals and Promotions: Keep an eye out for promotional offers on Game Pass, which are often offered during holidays or special events.
- Family Sharing (Unofficially): While not explicitly supported, some users share their Game Pass Ultimate subscription with family members via the home Xbox feature, but tread carefully, as it can lead to issues.
H3 FAQ 10: Does EA Play stay on Game Pass?
Yes! EA Play is included with Game Pass Ultimate and Game Pass PC. This gives you access to a library of EA games, exclusive trials, and discounts on EA digital purchases.
H3 FAQ 11: Will Call of Duty be on Game Pass?
With Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the big question is, “Will Call of Duty be on Game Pass?” While earlier reports suggest that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo 4 would not be included in Game Pass this year, plans are still in motion for 2024 and beyond. Microsoft has stated its intention to bring Activision Blizzard games to Game Pass in the future.
H3 FAQ 12: Do I lose my games if I cancel Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, if you cancel your Game Pass subscription, you lose access to any games you downloaded through the service. You’ll need to purchase the games individually to continue playing them. But your game progress is still stored on your cloud storage.
H3 FAQ 13: Are games permanently on Xbox Game Pass?
No, games are not permanently on Xbox Game Pass. They are available for a limited time due to licensing agreements between Microsoft and game publishers. This means that the game library is constantly changing, with new games being added and old ones being removed.
H3 FAQ 14: Will Infinite Warfare be on Game Pass?
Call of Duty®: Infinite Warfare – Digital Deluxe Edition is not currently available on Xbox Game Pass. Whether or not it will be added in the future is subject to licensing agreements between Microsoft and Activision. The only way to use it is to have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core subscription.
H3 FAQ 15: What are the new Xbox called?
The latest Xbox consoles are called the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S. The Xbox Series X is the more powerful console, while the Xbox Series S is a more affordable option with slightly less power.
Staying informed about games leaving (and joining!) Game Pass allows you to make the most of your subscription. Don’t forget to follow official Xbox channels for the latest updates and enjoy the ever-evolving world of Game Pass gaming. For more insight into the educational value and impact of gaming, check out the work being done at the Games Learning Society: GamesLearningSociety.org.