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Arkane 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.
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According to two renowned experts, Game Pass is destroying the gaming industry.

·Budapest, Hungary
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pcgames.de broke the news in on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
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