Microsoft has made it clear that its strategy moving in to the next-generation of gaming is to focus primarily on its Xbox Game Pass service. Xbox Game Pass, for the uninitiated, gives subscribers instant access to over 100 games across PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, not to mention many other bonuses. And it seems Microsoft is going to continue focusing on Xbox Game Pass in 2021, with Head of Xbox Phil Spencer teasing big things for the service in the new year.
Speaking to Major Nelson, Spencer talked about the success of the Xbox Game Pass service. He also teased that 2021 "is just going to be an incredible year" for Xbox Game Pass. Spencer said that 2021 will be big for Xbox Game Pass due to the lineup of games, in addition to it coming to more people. This is likely a reference to the fact that Xbox Game Pass is coming to iOS devices in spring 2021, which will open the service up to a slew of potential new subscribers.
As for what games Spencer could be referring to, they could be just about anything. Xbox Game Pass added some major new titles in 2020, and 2021 should be no different. Of course, this will include first-party Xbox games and Xbox console exclusive titles, which will debut on Xbox Game Pass day one.
The first major new Xbox game coming to Game Pass in 2021 is The Medium. A horror game from Layers of Fear studio Bloober Team, The Medium will be available on Xbox Game Pass as soon as it launches on January 28. An Xbox Series X console exclusive, The Medium is one of the very first console exclusive games to be released for Microsoft's next-generation console. Many other Xbox console exclusive games are planned for 2021 as well, including Halo Infinite in the fall.
Meanwhile, Microsoft will no doubt be looking to bolster the Xbox Game Pass lineup with third-party titles and multiplatform releases. In fact, rumor has it that the Ubisoft+ lineup may be coming to Xbox Game Pass, which would be a massive boost for the service. Whether or not this comes to pass remains to be seen, but the rumor has been backed up by credible industry insiders.
Along with all of these games and other bonuses, Microsoft likely has some big Xbox Game Pass surprises up its sleeve for 2021 as well. Hopefully Xbox fans learn more about the company's Game Pass plans sooner rather than later.
Source: Major Nelson