Xbox Game Pass has entered the spotlight with some exciting upgrades and content additions, reshaping the gaming experience for subscribers around the world. From new streaming features to the arrival of classic titles, this immersive platform continues to evolve, aiming to meet the diverse needs of its player base.
One of the most notable updates for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members is the introduction of the "Stream your own game" feature. This innovative option, available currently to Ultimate subscribers and selected Xbox Insiders, allows players to stream any game they own, even if it’s not part of the Game Pass catalog. This means you can bypass the hefty downloads common with modern games, which often require significant storage space on consoles. With titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt available for streaming, gamers can engage with their favorites without the fuss of extensive game files. The new feature is currently accessible across 28 countries for eligible players and is anticipated to roll out to all Game Pass subscribers by 2025.
Before this update, Xbox users could only utilize Cloud Streaming for games already included on Game Pass, enforcing limitations on the titles available for streaming. The changes heralded by the "Stream your own game" feature provide flexibility and convenience for players, especially considering the increasing size of game files. Recent releases like Indiana Jones & The Great Circle and STALKER 2 have demonstrated just how quickly console storage can fill up with game files often exceeding 130 GB. This new functionality is sure to come as good news to gamers eager for variety without needing to delete titles.
But the innovations don’t stop there. Gamers have also been noticing the gradual appearance of past Call of Duty titles on the Microsoft Store, including Call of Duty: Ghosts, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, and others. While these classics aren’t available on Game Pass just yet, players can purchase them outright at full price, which is $60 for standard editions. Unfortunately, these Windows editions don’t support Xbox Play Anywhere, so much like vintage cars, if you want to revisit them on PC, you'll have to buy them anew. The gradual release of these titles hints at potential additions to Game Pass, especially after Activision's acquisition by Microsoft, which was finalized earlier this year.
Community buzz suggests there’s still significant interest in Call of Duty games, as seen by the player counts during last summer’s server improvements. Steam statistics revealed heightened player engagement, especially around Black Ops 3's Zombies mode, reaffirming the nostalgia these older titles evoke. Despite these classics being initially overlooked for Game Pass, the current trend suggests Xbox may be preparing enthusiasts for upcoming announcements surrounding the franchise.
Simultaneously, EA Play has been making strides to engage its members during the festive season. A recent blog post on the Xbox Wire outlines various exciting additions for EA Play subscribers which include timely gifts over the holiday period, perfect for gamers seeking festive cheer. From December 17 to 26, the EA Play holiday countdown will treat subscribers to complimentary games and DLC, including Battlefield 1: Revolution and the Home Chef Hustle Stuff Pack for The Sims 4. Members can also expect significant discounts during this time, giving them plenty to explore and enjoy.
Another standout addition is EA Sports WRC, the leading rally video game of the FIA World Rally Championship. Players can immerse themselves instantly by designing and racing their dream rally cars across diverse terrains soaked with real-world events. This newest title has been developed by the award-winning team behind the well-loved Dirt Rally series, and EA Play members get both the thrill of racing and substantial savings on digital purchases, enhancing the gaming experience across the board.
What’s more, EA Play isn't skimping on rewards for all types of gamers this month. With rewards spanning from XP boosts to exclusive packs for various EA Sports games, subscribers truly have something to look forward to. EA also introduced trials for games leading up to their anticipated releases, driving even more engagement among Game Pass Ultimate members who already enjoy EA Play benefits.
These updates have begun to reshape Xbox Game Pass, allowing new ways to experience games and collect nostalgic titles from beloved franchises. The future looks bright for subscribers, especially with the promise of timely updates and engaging content continuing to roll out. And with the holidays around the corner, gamers have even more reasons to celebrate and jump back onto their consoles.
For those who haven’t yet signed up for Xbox Game Pass or EA Play, now might just be the perfect time. With features like game streaming, exclusive access to well-loved titles, and festive bonuses, gamers can enjoy a rich, fulfilling experience unparalleled by traditional gaming methods.
