Xbox Game Pass is set to make significant changes this January as the popular subscription service announces the removal of six games set to depart on January 15, 2025. Among these titles are Figment: Journey Into the Mind, Insurgency: Sandstorm, and Exoprimal, which is part of the latest wave of game exits.
This move is part of the regular refreshment of the service's content catalog, which typically sees games come and go every two weeks. A recent check of the Xbox app revealed the upcoming departures, emphasizing the importance for subscribers to complete their playthroughs of these titles before they are removed.
Notably, Escape Academy had the longest tenure on Xbox Game Pass, having been around since July 2022. This contribution highlights the shifting library of Xbox Game Pass, where even popular titles make way for new offerings.
Meanwhile, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can look forward to some exciting updates as Carrion, the self-proclaimed "reverse horror game," has now become the first title available on Xbox Game Pass this year, debuting on January 2, 2025. This marks Carrion's second stint on the subscription service after initially being offered from its July 2020 release until July 2022.
Players control an amorphous blob—the alien protagonist of Carrion—seeking vengeance against those who imprisoned it. This unique concept has earned the game notable praise, acquiring "strong" ratings and positive user feedback across various platforms, making it a welcomed addition to the line-up.
Microsoft's strategy has typically involved announcing new game additions twice each month. This month’s lineup has already begun with Carrion, and more titles are expected to follow. On January 7, Road 96 is slated to hit the service, followed by day-one releases of Eternal Strands, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, set to debut between January 28 and 31.
The multiple ambiguities surrounding departures from Xbox Game Pass are complemented by the uncertainty of whether additional titles will also be removed on January 15. Subscribers often look for clarity, but the "Leaving Soon" section of the Xbox app has historically been known to lack full accuracy.
Overall, this balance between incoming and outgoing titles is pivotal for maintaining Xbox Game Pass's value proposition. Subscribers still appreciate access to over 100 game titles for one subscription fee, allowing for diverse gaming experiences within the Xbox ecosystem.
Xbox Game Pass continues to be regarded as one of the best gaming subscription services available today, provided its dedication to variety and engagement with players. The expected reveals of more game additions later on only serve to heighten interest for the coming month.