US EditionArkane Founder Calls Game Pass an 'Unsustainable Model' that's Wrecking the Industry
- The creator behind Arkane Studios criticized the Game Pass subscription model as unsustainable and harmful to the gaming industry, especially in light of Microsoft's large-scale layoffs in July 2025.
- The criticism arose amid layoffs of over 9,000 Microsoft employees, studio closures, and cancelled projects, although no direct link to Game Pass was confirmed.
- Developers and industry insiders note Game Pass’s model, subsidized by Microsoft’s large investments, may hurt game sales and discourage riskier projects despite benefiting players.
- Microsoft reported 25 million subscribers in 2022 and raised Game Pass prices last year, while CEO Phil Spencer acknowledged subscription growth slowing and potential model conflicts.
- Colantonio warned Game Pass will either dominate or fail, urging recognition that its current heavily subsidized success is not sustainable and will eventually harm the industry.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Xbox Game Pass Has A Dangerous Dark Side, Game Makers Say
Arkane StudiosXbox Game Pass has been billed as a great deal for customers and developers alike, offering access to a huge catalog of games for players and a built-in audience for the studios that make them. But after a massive wave of layoffs at Microsoft, some developers are debating whether Game Pass is worth the cost, or if it’s hurting the industry.“I think Game Pass is an unsustainable model that has been increasingly damaging the industry…
According to two renowned experts, Game Pass is destroying the gaming industry.
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