Xbox Game Pass leads to sales losses of up to 80% for many games. However, this model offers important opportunities, especially for indie productions.
Xbox Game PassWhile it attracts attention with the affordable access model it offers to players, it causes serious sales losses for some games. According to a report, games included in Game Pass can lose 80% of expected premium sales. Although this situation is especially worrying for AAA productions, it provides a great advantage for indie games to reach large audiences.
Xbox Game Pass and Sales Losses
While Game Pass brings thousands of games to a wide range of players, it seriously affects the sales revenues of some games. Due to the business model, when games are added to the platform, players access these games through the subscription system instead of purchasing them, which increases sales losses. Especially the productions of the studios purchased by Microsoft feel the impact of this model more.
For example, major productions such as games developed by Bethesda reach millions of players thanks to Game Pass. However, since most of these users play the game through a subscription model rather than purchasing it, companies are forced to give up revenue from direct sales. However, it is stated that Microsoft compensates for these losses with Game Pass subscription revenues and access on other platforms.
Xbox Game Pass, which creates a risk of sales loss for major productions, has a different meaning for indie games. Small-budget games can reach a wide player base thanks to Game Pass, and this increases the recognition of independent developers. For example, games such as Cuphead and Ori and the Blind Forest were a great success through Game Pass.
While this model offers an economical option for gamers, it presents a complex picture for game developers. Despite sales losses, the wide reach and promotional opportunities offered by Game Pass continue to create a significant transformation in the gaming world.