The subscription library has become an appealing way for gamers to access a vast range of titles for a low monthly fee, similar to Netflix’s model. The flexibility of streaming allows users to enjoy games across various devices, from laptops to VR headsets.
However, this raises a question: How much is Microsoft investing in these games? The financial commitment from Microsoft is significant, as the company continuously enhances the Game Pass catalog through numerous acquisitions.
Yet, there are also many games outside of Microsoft’s extensive portfolio that require content agreements with other publishers before they can be added to Game Pass. These arrangements resemble the licensing deals seen in the film and television industry, where select shows and movies appear on streaming platforms.
Recent developments provide intriguing insights into these content deals, sourced from employees who may not be thrilled about the situation. Following major layoffs affecting 9,000 workers across various divisions, including Xbox, some individuals have taken to updating their professional profiles on LinkedIn, which is also under Microsoft’s umbrella.
Upon examining the Game Pass lineup, one can find popular titles not owned by Microsoft, such as Rockstar’s *Grand Theft Auto V*, Ubisoft’s *Rainbow 6 Siege*, *Dead by Daylight*, and the RPG hit *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*. Smaller games, like the fast-paced soccer title *Rematch*, benefit from heightened exposure when released through Game Pass.
Despite laying off 15,000 employees this year, Microsoft has seen profits exceeding $100 billion annually since 2021. While the company faces challenges in maintaining its Xbox hardware relevance, it is thriving in the PC gaming sector.
The effort to attract and retain Game Pass subscribers seems to bear fruit, despite some industry experts questioning the sustainability of this model. Nevertheless, Microsoft maintains that Game Pass is profitable, even when considering sales lost from major titles.