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Xbox Game Pass isn’t exactly the leakiest ship out there, but there have been a few notable games that have leaked ahead of their addition one way or another. One way this has happened, reliably anyway, is a leak through the Microsoft Store with a reference to something like EA Play or Xbox Game Pass itself. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is a good example of a leaked Xbox Game Pass title that came true this way.
Now, recent rumors have similarly suggested two more EA games could be joining Xbox Game Pass: FIFA 22 and Battlefield 2042. These are due to EA Play listings for these titles on the Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass subscribers get access to every EA Play game. It feels more like a matter of when, not if, but at least in regard to Battlefield 2042, this may not be the best decision.
Xbox Game Pass vs. Battlefield 2042
Xbox Game Pass is hailed as the best deal in gaming, and for good reason. The library is huge, there are tons of benefits like EA Play, and Microsoft is investing in it heavily. Big Ubisoft games are even coming to Xbox Game Pass, and before long, it seems Xbox Game Pass will become a one-stop shop for the biggest games out there. It shouldn’t just let anything and everything in, though.
Battlefield 2042’s development and release issues are no secret, and nearly 6 months after launch, fans still aren’t happy. This is still currently reflected in Battlefield 2042’s low player count on Steam. There’s no doubt that it becoming free would likely boost the console player count, but there’s really no way around it: it would be a lackluster game added to Xbox Game Pass.
Now, when/if it becomes part of EA Play, that’s the agreement between Microsoft and EA. But Microsoft needs to ensure quality on Xbox Game Pass, too. There are a ton of games of all sizes and quality levels on Xbox Game Pass, but the general rule of thumb on it comes down to preference. There’s something for everyone on it; it’s not just a search to sort out the worst and find the best games on Xbox Game Pass.
While one could argue Xbox Game Pass has hit or become more than a “Netflix of video games” idea, it’s worth noting Netflix (and other streaming services) often come down to finding a good quality movie or show, sifting through older and more lackluster titles to find it. Xbox Game Pass cannot do that, and while Battlefield 2042 obviously isn’t welcoming a wave of lackluster titles on the service, the truth is one day it could add one too many Battlefield 2042-like titles.
The long and short of the scenario is pretty simple: Xbox Game Pass is good for Battlefield 2042, but Battlefield 2042 probably isn’t good for Xbox Game Pass.
Battlefield 2042 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.