Microsoft has unveiled its June lineup for Xbox Game Pass, promising a fresh influx of titles for subscribers. The selection is led by EA Sports FC 25, alongside the highly anticipated debut of “FBC: Firebreak.” But the list has triggered very mixed reactions from players, some excited by the breadth of games, others frustrated by the continuing trend toward subscription models over outright ownership.
EA Sports FC 25 will become accessible to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers through EA Play starting June 12th. Players can access the game on Xbox consoles, PC, and other compatible devices via Xbox Cloud Gaming. This addition is likely to draw in a large crowd, given the franchise’s popularity. However, some fans voiced concerns about the long-term implications of relying on subscription services for access to major sports titles. “What happens when the game gets pulled from Game Pass?” asked one user on X.com. “Do we just lose access to the game we’ve been playing all year?”
On June 17th, Remedy Entertainment’s online shooter, FBC: Firebreak, will launch directly onto Game Pass as a day-one release. Set within the universe of Remedy’s acclaimed action-adventure game Control, this co-op FPS aims to deliver a unique, story-driven experience. The game is scheduled to arrive simultaneously on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X, and it will also be available on PS Plus—a somewhat unusual move highlighting the growing trend of cross-platform releases and subscription strategies. This Unusual Detail has some worried abouit exclusives.
Expanding Context: This simultaneous release across multiple platforms and subscription services underscores a significant shift in the gaming industry. Traditionally, console exclusives were a major draw for attracting players to a particular platform. However, the increasing cost of game development and the desire to reach a wider audience have led many publishers to embrace a more inclusive approach. This includes releasing games on multiple platforms and offering them through subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus.
Core Principle: The core principle at play here is accessibility. By making games available on multiple platforms and through subscription services, publishers aim to lower the barrier to entry for potential players. This can lead to a larger player base and increased revenue in the long run, even if it means sacrificing some of the exclusivity that was once a key differentiator between platforms. But some wonder at what cost will such accessibility affect game creativity?
Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Editions were added to Xbox Game Pass on June 5th, and are now available to Game Pass Ultimate and standard subscribers on cloud and Xbox consoles. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine , Master Crafted Edition, an enhanced version of the original, hit the service on June 10th. A day later, Game Pass adds Barbie Project Friendship and Kingdom: Two Crowns. These additions cater to a diverse audience, expanding the appeal of the subscription service.
On June 13th, another day-one title, The Alters, arrives on Game Pass. This sci-fi game places players on a hostile planet where they must create alternate versions of themselves to survive. On June 17th, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, a tactical action title, will be available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. A new era had quietly begun.
This wealth of new content aims to keep subscribers engaged and attract new members to the platform.
However, as new games arrive, others must leave. On June 15th, several titles will be removed from the Game Pass library, including Dordogne, Hypnospace Outlaw, Isonzo, Keplerth, My Time At Sandrock, Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends, and Depersonalization. This constant rotation is a double-edged sword, offering a continuous stream of fresh content but also creating a sense of urgency and potential disappointment for players who haven’t had time to finish certain games. As one gamer posted to FaceBook, “Just when I was getting into My Time At Sandrock…gone!”
Beyond the headline titles, Game Pass members also gain access to various in-game perks throughout the month. These include items for Zenless Zone Zero, Splitgate 2, and The Finals, adding extra value to the subscription. These extras, while small, can be a deciding factor for players choosing between different gaming services. Its all a clever play.
Here’s a summary of games being added to Game Pass this month:
- Baldur’s Gate and Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Editions (Cloud, Console, and PC) , Available Now
- Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine , Master Crafted Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC) , Available June 10
- Barbie Project Friendship (Cloud, Console, and PC) , Available June 11
- Kingdom: Two Crowns (Cloud and Console) , Available June 11
- EA Sports FC 25 (PC and Ultimate via EA Play) , Available June 12
- The Alters (Cloud, PC, and Console) , Available June 13
- FBC: Firebreak (Cloud, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X) , Available June 17
- Lost in Random: The Eternal Die (PC and Ultimate) , Available June 17
Despite the exciting additions, some community members remain skeptical, voicing concerns about the long-term sustainability of the Game Pass model. “Are we really *owning* these games, or are we just renting them indefinitely?” asked a user on Reddit. This question highlights a growing debate about the future of game ownership and the increasing dominance of subscription services.
Others worry about smaller indie developers being overshadowed by the larger games getting promoted on the service. One indie dev we spoke with, who asked not to be named, admitted the system “can feel like a double-edged sword…great exposure, but much harder to stand out from the croud”. In a world increasingly driven by subscriptions, that crowd is only getting larger.