One of the only downsides of Xbox Game Pass is that every now and then, a game people really love spending time with, leaves the service. Such is the case with August's departures, which happens to have a couple of big titles leaving, as well as some smaller ones that have been quite popular. Perhaps the worst news here is that those who want to check out these Xbox Game Pass games is that they aren't getting a ton of warning. That means that players are going to want to download and play quickly and then, should they decide they want to, and go out and make sure they buy the games to continue their adventures.
Quite frankly, there are a ton of very good games that are all seeing the end of each's run on Xbox Game Pass that might be flying under the radar. Ape Out is one that might have gotten ignored on the service while it was there. Now it's taking its unique art style and catchy tunes and will no longer be playable for no extra charge. Crossing Souls and Don't Starve: Giant Edition are two other games that might have been overshadowed that maybe shouldn't have been. However, their departure is probably being eclipsed again because of the major titles that are gone away from Xbox Game Pass far too soon.
Grand Theft Auto 5 Leaving Xbox Game Pass Very Soon
After about a six-month stay on Xbox Game Pass, Grand Theft Auto 5 is making its exit. This might be a bit of a surprise when considering the fact that it still hasn't received its next-gen upgrade yet. This seemed like one of those games that would absolutely help the Xbox Series X/S show off what it can do when it comes to better performance and graphical upgrades.
However, there's an argument to be made that GTA 5 is one of those games that absolutely did not ever need to be on Xbox Game Pass in the first place. Take-Two's CEO definitely seems to agree with that sentiment. He recently came out and said that he doesn't believe the company's games make a ton of sense to put on subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.
For those that jumped into the game when it first arrived on the service in January, it's departure just six months later might end up being a bit of a headache. While the story of the base game is good enough, there's very little doubt that GTA Online is a big draw. Those who invested serious time (and money) in the online features are about to be left in the lurch. They'll now need to purchase the game if they want to continue their stories. Grand Theft Auto 5 is leaving Xbox Game Pass on August 8.
Final Fantasy 7 Withdraws From Xbox Game Pass As Well
The other massive title that is departing Xbox Game Pass in about a week is Final Fantasy 7. This is, by the way, not to be mistaken for Final Fantasy remake, as Game Pass features the original Final Fantasy 7. While the game was still drawing newcomers to the extremely long-running series, it makes some sense that it would eventually leave the subscription service.
However, it is a bit strange that it's leaving Xbox Game Pass right now, as it wasn't that long ago that its remake got the big PS5 upgrade. There's an argument to be made that Square Enix could capitalize on those who want to go back to the first version. There would also be an argument that the original can draw more interest from people who might want to see how it looked and played before thinking about trying out Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade.
Taking the original Final Fantasy 7 off of Xbox Game Pass is also an interesting call considering that PS4 and PS5 users did indeed get the base version of the remake for free several months ago. FF7 Remake was offered on the PS Plus service earlier this spring, which seems like one reason to try and keep people on the Xbox coming back to the version offered on Game Pass. Regardless, Final Fantasy 7 departs Xbox Game Pass on August 15.
Darksiders: Genesis Blows Off Xbox Game Pass
Make no mistake, Darksiders: Genesis isn't a game with the size or scope of Grand Theft Auto 5 or Final Fantasy VII. However, this is yet another installment in what is a pretty popular franchise at this point. Darksiders: Genesis could even be referred to as Darksiders 4, but this has a very unique take on the concept of the series.
While the other games in the series have been third-person shooters, this one has a more top-down look that changes up the action in a way that makes this game stand out. Genesis is also a game that, because it's even smaller in scale and scope when talking about other games in the franchise, largely got ignored.
One of the great things about Xbox Game Pass is exactly that; people who might not have thought about purchasing a game before, can still get their hands on a title and give it a go. It doesn't feel like this title was on the service long enough for people to get to it and really give it a try. Now they are only going to have a matter of days to download it and give it a try.
Of course, it seems the real point for Game Pass games, especially ones that aren't first-party is to try them out and see if players might want to eventually own them. There's still time to see if Darksiders: Genesis, Grand Theft Auto 5, and Final Fantasy VII, as well as the others leaving, are worth playing even if users have to spend extra money to do it.