Fans of Microsoft’s innovative gaming subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, lovingly call it the “best gaming deal.” With hundreds of titles currently available and more legions added every month, its appeal is unambiguously obvious. From industry pros to everyday advocates, the organic growth and positive reception sparked by Xbox’s foray into the monthly subscription space has been fascinating to watch.
While recent reviews suggest that Microsoft has potentially overpromised and underdelivered on its promises to ship substantial first-party titles day in and day out in Xbox Game Pass, the passionate team has always managed to fill the gaps with compelling and standout video games. of development partners. Regarding critical reception, 2022 has been an exceptional year for Xbox Game Pass, and several 2022 Game Awards nominees shipped on the first day of service. This intelligent and enthusiastic conservation is poised to blossom further as we head into 2023.
As part of his Showcase of Xbox and Bethesda games in June, Microsoft showed off a lineup of noteworthy titles headed to Xbox Game Pass in the first half of next year. Rounding out the impressive list of first-party and third-party titles initially revealed, additional games have been confirmed over the past few months. As I prepare my next video game schedule, it has become clear that Xbox Game Pass will be out of control in 2023.
Xbox Game Pass in 2023: proprietary versions
One of the biggest draws of Xbox Game Pass was its inclusion of first-party titles from the start. To continue to develop the service and counter the relatively light schedule of 2022Microsoft is aiming to deliver a solid assortment of massive first-party releases in 2023. While we haven’t confirmed Microsoft’s full slate for the year yet, we know of many Xbox Game Studios titles decline in 2023.
| Game | Developer | Release date |
|---|---|---|
| Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (Console) | edge of the world | January 31, 2023 |
| Minecraft Legends | Mojang Studios | TBD 2023 |
| red fall | Arkane Austin | TBD 2023 |
| Forza Motorsport | Rotate 10 studios | TBD 2023 |
| Macaw: Untold Story | oxide games | TBD 2023 |
| star field | Bethesda | TBD 2023 |
| Age of Empires IV (Console) | edge of the world | TBD 2023 |
Depending on the timing of release, Xbox is rightfully positioned to deliver on its promise of delivering one major first-party game per quarter. After a light first half in 2021 and an objectively sparse 2022, the first-party situation for Xbox looks much more optimistic in 2023. If the development team is ready and can work out the logistics, a Holiday 2023 release for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 would be a fantastic way to end a commendable year for Xbox’s first game.
Xbox Game Pass in 2023: Indie stars
There’s no denying the excitement of behemoth releases like Forza Horizon 5 or Infinite Halo, but another amazing aspect of Xbox Game Pass is how it elevates indie games. Of Tunic At Immortality, Xbox Game Pass has earned a reputation for promoting award-winning indie video games. With countless unannounced titles on the horizon, 2023 already looks stacked up for indies on Xbox Game Pass.
| Game | Developer | Release date |
|---|---|---|
| atomic heart | Mundfish | February 21, 2023 |
| Amnesia: the bunker | friction games | March 2023 |
| Light Year Frontier | FRAME JUMP | Spring 2023 |
| STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl | GSC Game World | TBD 2023 |
| Lies of P | Neowiz | TBD 2023 |
| Hollow Knight: Silksong | Cherry Team | TBD 2023 |
| Cocoon | Geometric | TBD 2023 |
| Ereban: The Shadow Legacy | Baby robot games | TBD 2023 |
| party animals | recreate games | TBD 2023 |
| ARCH 2 | Studio Wildcard | TBD 2023 |
| Replaced | sad cat studios | TBD 2023 |
| The Texas Chainsaw Massacre | Interactive Gun | TBD 2023 |
| Lana’s Planet | Wishing | TBD 2023 |
| Ravenlock | cococucumber | TBD 2023 |
| The Last Case of Benedict Fox | Rebound | TBD 2023 |
The sheer volume of high-profile indie releases heading to Xbox Game Pass in 2023 is staggering. Many of my most anticipated titles of the year are ready for day one Game Pass drops on Windows PC and Xbox consoles. As we head into the coming months and more and more development teams set release dates, it’s safe to say that this impressive list will only get more substantial. Here’s hoping Thirsty Suitors, Homestead Arcana, and Dungeons 4 receive launches in 2023!
Xbox Game Pass in 2023: JRPGs and games from Japan
Recently, I’ve been talking more and more about Xbox’s relationship with Japanese developers and publishers. JRPG fans, in particular, feel frustrated with the platform’s inconsistent third-party support. As I detailed in several editorials, Microsoft is aware of these shortcomings and is working diligently to re-establish itself as a necessary partner for Japan-based teams. If Microsoft’s slate for Xbox Game Pass in 2023 is any indication, things are certainly headed in a promising direction.
| Game | Developer | Release date |
|---|---|---|
| Persona 3 Portable | Atlus | January 19, 2023 |
| persona 4 golden | Atlus | January 19, 2023 |
| Rise of the Monster Hunter | Capcom | January 20, 2023 |
| Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | Ninja Team | March 3, 2023 |
| BlazBlue: Cross Beacon Battle Special Edition | Arc System Works | Spring 2023 |
| Guilty Equipment -Strive- | Arc System Works | TBD 2023 |
| Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom | Level 5 | TBD 2023 |
| Chronicle of Eiyuden: One Hundred Heroes | Rabbit and Bear Workshop | TBD 2023 |
Xbox demonstrates its commitment to growing its business in Japan by extending meaningful partnerships with renowned developers and publishers. Exceptional additions like Persona 5 Royal furthering the overall appeal of the Xbox platform for JRPG fans. If Microsoft continues to invest in titles developed in Japan and capitalize on the lure of Xbox Game Pass, we could see the start of a massive turnaround for Team Green.
Xbox Game Pass in 2023: so much to look forward to
Regardless of your favorite genres, Xbox Game Pass plans to provide plenty to play in 2023. Conservatively, if you were planning to buy all the games on this list, it would cost you well over $1,000. For comparison, a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs around $180. With the cost of living rising and budgets tightening, the value proposition of Xbox Game Pass remains unmatched.
From major first-party releases to highly anticipated indie standouts, it’s impossible not to salute the curatorial efforts of the Xbox Game Pass team. While it’s unlikely that any of us will play all of the games that make it to the subscription service in 2023, it seems even less likely that subscribers won’t find dozens of games to enjoy over the course of the year to come.
Play hundreds of amazing games on Xbox and PC for one low monthly price with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. See why so many people call it the “best game deal”.
