Microsoft's controversial price increase for Game Pass goes into full effect in the month of November, at which point subscribers with the Ultimate tier must pay $29.99 monthly to access the subscription's entire library.
It's a half again as much for the platform whose introduction almost immediately led some dedicated users to end their subscription.
But while the service has had a steady supply of strong AA games this year, 2025 has primarily been bereft of authentic major releases from Xbox.
That is with Obsidian's sequel arrives.
The developer's Long-Awaited Successor
Obsidian's highly-expected sequel to its critical role-playing game will officially be released on Oct. 29, provided that you've got advance access.
Gamers can access early if they buy the special version of the game, or if they already have Game Pass and opt to enhance their buy for an extra $thirty dollars.
Beyond the popular shooter franchise, Obsidian's new RPG is definitely Microsoft's most significant title of the current year.
The original game sold a minimum of 5 million units through 2023, which possibly positions it as underappreciated compared to its juggernaut predecessors, like the post-apocalyptic RPG franchise.
Substantial Hopes for the Sequel
However, anticipations for Obsidian's new game must be substantial.
Launch dates planned just prior to the end of the year typically signal that the developer aims to leverage seasonal purchases, which frequently means that the most prominent titles usually debut in months like the fall.
The Outer Worlds 2 might indeed be the exact title that makes people consider (re)starting a subscription plan.
After all, the alternatives are either spend $69.99 for a individual acquisition or $29.99 for release-day availability on the subscription.
For certain players, Game Pass could prove to be the superior deal.
This Time Limit on Budget Playthroughs
Yet selecting the subscription also apparently puts a timer on an budget playthrough for the sequel.
The initial title can take approximately 15 to 40 hours to finish, depending on how much of a completionist the user chooses to be.
The new game is projected to be a more expansive and improved game, which may suggest a one-month subscription won't be sufficient to conveniently complete it.
Anyone who signs up for the subscription specifically to experience The Outer Worlds 2 must face the genuine likelihood that they will have to maintain the subscription for no less than a multiple billing cycles.
Is the service even "valuable" if you ultimately investing more for it than you might just directly buying the release you want?
This Expanded Subscription Library
For some, the conclusion would be yes — notably if they explore the expanded subscription library.
Regardless of all the uproar surrounding the price hikes, Microsoft has performed well of keeping the platform with quality titles in 2025.
Several of those latest titles are impressive releases that players may not have seriously considered acquiring lacking Game Pass, such as the Double Fine title or the action sequel.
Microsoft's Risk and Forthcoming Titles
Whether the strategy succeeds for the company, it's difficult to obtain a method to determine.
The publisher typically avoids sharing specific figures when it comes to subscribers.
But considering Obsidian's sequel on October 29th and the new Call of Duty scheduled for November 14th, you've got to imagine the results will change in the company's benefit.
Certainly, that's probably the situation for any user who maintains an console or PC.
Currently, the public has not expressed open to spending $600 or further for top-tier Xbox hardware.
Noteworthy Inclusions and Exits
It's undoubtedly beneficial that the service is soon to include a handful of other significant titles, including:
- PowerWash Simulator 2 (Cloud gaming, computer, and console) – Oct. 23
- The indie title (Cloud gaming, computer, and console) – Nov. 4
- Football Manager 26 (PC, Xbox Series X) – Nov. 4
Leaving the service at the close of the month, however, include:
- The climbing adventure (Cloud gaming, Xbox console, and PC)
- The tactical spin-off (Cloud, Xbox console, and PC)
- The point-and-click sequel (Cloud, Console, and computer)
This Real Evaluation of the Company's Plan
Discourse around the future of Microsoft's gaming division has been incessant in 2025, but November is set to be the genuine test of Microsoft's subscription strategy.
We can only wait and see if it succeeds for the company.
