On January 29, 2025, Xbox Game Pass welcomed the puzzle platformer Shady Part of Me to its library, marking the 11th new title added this month. Developed by Douze Dixièmes, the game combines 2D and 3D mechanics, offering players unique traversals through its dream-like environments, and features voice acting from Hannah Murray, known for her role on HBO’s Game of Thrones. The addition of this game highlights the continued expansion of Xbox's subscription service, enhancing its appeal to gamers.
Initially launched at The Game Awards 2020, Shady Part of Me was later made available on various platforms, from PS4 to PC, before making its way to Xbox Game Pass. Notably, it is also accessible via Xbox Cloud Gaming for Ultimate tier subscribers, providing flexibility for players who prefer cloud gaming experiences. Critically, the game was well-received with an average score of 77 on OpenCritic, garnering praise for its emotional narrative and unique art style.
With the addition of Shady Part of Me, Xbox Game Pass is set to continue its growth, adding two more titles on day one before January concludes. On January 30, gamers can look forward to Sniper Elite: Resistance, followed by Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector the next day. These additions indicate Xbox's commitment to offering fresh content and diverse gaming experiences.
Xbox Game Pass has increasingly become central to Microsoft’s gaming strategy, as evidenced by the recent Developer Direct presentation on January 23. During this event, Microsoft revealed plans for notable titles like Doom: The Dark Ages and Ninja Gaiden 4, both arriving on day one. These games aim to evoke nostalgic feelings for long-time fans and attract new players with their revamped gameplay mechanics and storylines.
Interestingly, the emphasis on Game Pass coincides with reports showing Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and S systems underperforming compared to competitors like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Despite cumulative sales of over 32 million units, the Xbox consoles lag behind the PS5's approximately 56 million units sold, illustrating the challenges facing Xbox hardware.
Sarah Bond, president of Xbox, recently noted on the Official Xbox podcast, “We’re seeing our Game Pass numbers reach 34 million subscribers.” This figure showcases Xbox Game Pass as not just viable but thriving, reaffirming the company's approach of prioritizing software and services over hardware alone. This method effectively positions Xbox as more of a gaming service provider, appealing to players who want choice and flexibility.
Yet, not all news for Xbox Game Pass is positive. For the first time since 2021, MLB The Show 25 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass, breaking the long-standing tradition of day-one drops for PlayStation's only franchise appearing on Xbox consoles. A note from Sony clarified, “The game will not be on platform subscription services in 2025,” indicating significant shifts may be occurring within the competitive dynamics of gaming franchises.
The absence of MLB The Show 25 signals potential changes as developers navigate their relationships and strategies across different platforms. While PlayStation has routinely introduced its titles to Xbox platforms, this year's decision may imply strategic reevaluations from Sony.
Despite these changes, avid gamers can expect significant titles still coming to Xbox Game Pass throughout 2025. With games like Atomfall, The Outer Worlds 2, and Fable on the release calendar, Xbox appears committed to maintaining its momentum. Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, emphasized, “It’s not about one device. It’s about the devices people want to play on.” This sentiment reflects Microsoft’s broader strategy to maximize accessibility and options for gamers.
But it’s not just upcoming games creating excitement; Ninja Gaiden 2 Black has already joined the service, offering fans revitalized content they are eager to explore. This addition, along with others, showcases Xbox Game Pass’s value, especially with its subscription pricing unexpectedly lower than the cost of many individual games.
To wrap things up, the evolution of Xbox Game Pass continues to enrich the gaming ecosystem significantly. Looking back to this January, the addition of Shady Part of Me, alongside headlines from the Developer Direct, defines the service as more than just subscription-based content—it's setting the stage for how we perceive gaming accessibility and engagement across multiple platforms. Therefore, for gamers seeking value and diversity, Xbox Game Pass remains unparalleled, promising fresh and exciting experiences as 2025 rolls on.