Earlier today, Xbox Game Pass confirmed that it was bringing back a popular game that it had previously removed. As it stands, no one knows what this game is, but there's been plenty of speculation.
Of all the games it could be, there seems to be two that fans are hoping get added back to Game Pass: Red Dead Redemption 2 or Fallout 4. The former fits the bill quite well, but at least in comparison to Fallout 4, it seems unlikely.
Fallout 4 is the most likely for a few reasons. First, it was removed from Game Pass before Red Dead Redemption 2, so it would be odd for Fallout 4 to be skipped over in favor of it. And, of course, there's the Microsoft acquisition of Bethesda to consider. With it, most—if not all—of the Bethesda catalog is coming to Game Pass. It's already been confirmed, for example, that The Elder Scrolls 6 and Starfield will launch on Game Pass, making it available for all subscribers on day one. Speaking of Elder Scrolls, Bethesda's Skyrim is also currently available on the service, and it stands to reason that Fallout 4 would join it.
The acquisition may still be in the process, but there's little reason for the companies to cooperate beforehand. With Skyrim already on Game Pass and future Bethesda titles in the pipeline, it's quite odd that Fallout 4 is actually MIA here. Adding it now is just another step on the path of the Microsoft and Bethesda future, and it's indeed a good way to start 2021. Game Pass is already a great value, and with Bethesda games on there, it just gets even better. It's worth noting that there are rumors of Ubisoft+ coming to Game Pass at some point in 2021, and if true, the already-great value of Game Pass is going to skyrocket even more.
Ultimately, it all remains to be seen. The good thing about Game Pass is that, while games leave, there's always something coming and going. Chances are, whatever this game is, fans will see it revealed and added in the coming weeks, if not days. The best part is that it's not likely to be alone, as these tend to come in little batches. As such, it seems that Xbox Game Pass is intending to kick off 2021 right, and adding Fallout 4 alongside some new games is definitely a good way to do that.
Fallout 4 is available now.