Game Pass Archives

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Xbox Cloud Gaming Limits Start in November: 15 Hours on Ultimate

Microsoft will implement monthly limits on Xbox Cloud Gaming starting in November 2026. Game Pass Ultimate members will receive 15 hours of cloud gaming per month, Premium members will have 10 hours, and Essential members will have 5 hours. Additional hours can be purchased, but pricing details are not yet available. Currently, Game Pass subscribers have unlimited access to cloud gaming. Microsoft estimates that only about 4% of subscribers will be affected by these new limits. The service will be accessible on various platforms, and Microsoft plans to expand the library of games available for cloud streaming. The decision to impose limits is attributed to rising infrastructure costs due to increased usage. Specific details regarding the purchase of additional hours and other related information are still pending.

AppWizard

September 3, 2026

Microsoft announces cap on Xbox Cloud Gaming hours for Game Pass subscribers, admits most aren’t using it much anyway

Microsoft's gaming division is facing challenges due to layoffs, industry consolidation issues, and controversial partnerships. Xbox is increasing service costs for its cloud gaming service, introducing a monthly cap for Game Pass subscribers starting in November, after which additional playtime must be purchased. This change follows a decline in Xbox revenue, which fell by .7 billion over the past year. Xbox also tested an ad-supported game streaming model to boost revenue. The effectiveness of the new pricing strategy is uncertain, especially after a previous price hike led to a loss of "millions" of Game Pass subscribers. Xbox plans to engage with its player base for feedback on these changes.

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

September’s first wave of Xbox Game Pass games revealed, and it brings RuneScape to console for the first time

The September lineup for PC and Xbox Game Pass includes the co-op survival game Dragonwilds, which releases on September 15th and is the first console title for the RuneScape franchise. It has been in early access since last spring and received "very positive" feedback on Steam. Other titles coming to Game Pass include SpeedRunners 2, The Royal Writ, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Notable titles leaving Game Pass on September 15th include Cyberpunk 2077, Dead Cells, and Deep Rock Galactic Survivor. Game Pass games coming in September: - Shelldiver (1st September) - Speedrunners 2: King of Speed (3rd September) - Dice a Million (4th September) - Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (8th September) - The Royal Writ (10th September) - Virtua Fighter 5 REVO World Stage (10th September) - RuneScape: Dragonwilds (15th September) Leaving Game Pass on 15th September: - Commandos: Origins - Cricket 24 - Cyberpunk 2077 - Dead Cells - Deep Rock Galactic Survivor - Frostpunk 2 - Mullet Madjack - Spiritfarer - Superliminal - Train Sim World 5

AppWizard

September 2, 2026

Former id Software producer says the team faced the ‘worst crunch’ in the series’ history on Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations: ‘There were days where I didn’t see my son’

Following the launch of the expansion for Doom: The Dark Ages – Revelations, Xbox eliminated 136 positions at id Software, affecting many who contributed to the expansion. Former producer Andrew Willis described the intense crunch leading up to the release, with the team dedicating countless hours, only to face layoffs the day before the launch. Sales figures showed that The Dark Ages did not perform as well as Doom Eternal, and there are questions about whether the rush to deliver the expansion was due to internal decisions or external pressures from Xbox. Hugo Martin from id Software reassured stakeholders about the studio's stability despite the layoffs.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 31 to September 4

- The Blood of Dawnwalker: Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S., Release Date: September 2, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game: Developer: PM-Studios, Inc., Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - NBA 2K27: Developer: 2K, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Onimusha: Way of the Sword: Developer: CAPCOM CO., LTD., Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - NHL® 27 Deluxe Edition: Developer: Electronic Arts, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Halloween – Digital Deluxe Edition: Developer: IllFonic Publishing, Co-Publisher: Gun Media, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Young Suns (Game Preview): Developer: KO_OP, Release Date: August 31, Price: .99, Platforms: Game Pass / Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Shelldiver: Developer: Gagonfe, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Game Pass / Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault (Game Preview): Developer: 11 bit studios, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Game Pass / Handheld Optimized. - Angeline Era: Developer: Analgesic Productions, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - BioEden: Developer: Focus Entertainment, Release Date: September 3, Price: .79, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Puzzledorf: Developer: Stuart's Pixel Games, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Salvation: Echoes of War: Developer: Infinite Entropy, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Sticker Picker (Xbox Series): Developer: Afil Games, Release Date: August 31, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Crimson Moon: Developer: ProbablyMonsters, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Tintle's Great Colorful Adventure: Developer: Midnight Pounce Studios, Release Date: September 1, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Eden Coil: Developer: Brainium Games, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Feed Your Cat: New Paths: Developer: Tribus Games Indie, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: XBOX Play Anywhere. - Marsupilami 2 – Salsa Palombia: Developer: Microids, Release Date: September 2, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Pharmacy Store Simulator: Developer: Art Games Studio S.A., Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Radiation Caterpillar: Developer: Brainium Games, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Super Woden Rally Edge: Developer: Eastasiasoft Limited, Release Date: September 2, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Asdivine Knot: Developer: KEMCO, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Brainrot Kart: Developer: Skibidi Studios, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Bus Simulator 27 – Year 1 Edition: Developer: astragon Entertainment, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dexter Stardust: Adventures in Outer Space: Developer: Flynn's Arcade, Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dream Doctor: Developer: Bad Minions, Little Giant, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Fight School Simulator: Developer: Ultimate Games S.A., Release Date: September 3, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Galactic Vault: Developer: Take IT Studio!, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Hearthstorm: Developer: NOSTRA GAMES LTD, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Komorebi: A Furry Visual Novel: Developer: Top Hat Studios, Inc., Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - SpeedRunners 2: King of Speed: Developer: tinyBuild, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Shoe it All!: Developer: Bright Gambit, Release Date: September 3, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Dream Cage: Developer: JanduSoft, Release Date: September 4, Price: .49, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Fear The Timeloop: Developer: PlayWay S.A., Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play. - Flute Of Gobelin: Developer: RainForest Game Studio, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Fortress Merge: Developer: QubicGames S.A., Release Date: September 4, Platforms: XBOX Play Anywhere. - Hockey Beasts: Developer: Revulo Games LLC, Release Date: September 4, Price: .99, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - I Am Angel: Developer: PortingGuru, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Isle of Reveries: Developer: Electric Airship, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S. - Moonbringer: Developer: 2dragontails, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Order Automatica: Developer: better. publishing, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery. - Railbreak DX: Developer: Dead Drop Studios LLC, Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere. - Tales of Formentera: Developer: Ratalaika Games S.L., Release Date: September 4, Platforms: Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

Gaming Has Never Been Better. So Why Does It Feel Like the Worst Time to Be a Gamer?

The gaming industry is experiencing a surge in high-profile releases, including Grand Theft Auto 6, Control Resonant, Ace Combat 8, and Modern Warfare 4. However, the cost of entry has increased significantly, with flagship consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X now priced at least 0 above their launch prices. Microsoft is reportedly losing 0 per console sold, and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to see a price increase. A shortage of memory and storage, driven by AI demands, has made essential gaming hardware more expensive. Mobile gaming and PC gaming are also affected, with graphics card prices projected to rise by 20% to 30%. The term “RAMageddon” has emerged to describe the doubling of memory prices since late 2025. Major companies like Microsoft and Sony are facing disappointing hardware sales, with projections of an 11% decline in PC shipments by 2026. The traditional model of game ownership is shifting towards a rental-like system, with digital sales tying ownership to accounts and licenses. Concerns about game accessibility have grown, leading to the Stop Killing Games movement. Nintendo's introduction of Game-Key Cards for resale has raised questions about long-term access, while Sony plans to end production of physical game discs by 2028. The average cost of AAA games has risen, with new titles like Mario Kart World for the Switch 2 priced at . Cloud gaming and subscription services further complicate ownership, as game availability is contingent on licensing agreements.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Here’s every major Xbox and PC announcement we’ve rounded up from the Future Games Show at Gamescom 2026

Gamescom is currently showcasing the Future Games Show, which features over 40 titles for Xbox and PC, including 13 brand new games. The event began today at 10:00 am PDT / 1:00 pm EDT / 6:00 pm BST and is available for live viewing or on-demand replays on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, X, and Steam. Major game announcements include: - Worms: Galactic Tactics: A turn-based tactical game set for release in 2027 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 1/2, and PC via Steam. - Onimusha: Way of the Sword: An action-adventure game launching on September 4, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival: A side-scrolling beat 'em up releasing on September 18, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Dioxide: A tactical FPS with Soulslike elements expected to launch in the future on PC via Steam. - Wolcen 2: An ARPG anticipated to enter early access in 2027 for PC via Steam. - Serious Sam: Shatterverse: A roguelite FPS set for release on August 31, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. - SPINE - This is Gun Fu: A cyberpunk action game launching in 2027 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. - STAR WARS: Galactic Racer: A racing game set in the Star Wars universe, launching on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Alkimya: House of Wisdom: A survival horror game expected to release in the future for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault: An action-RPG set to leave early access on September 2, 2026, available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Windows.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 reveals the secret new dimension lurking through its rifts

Minecraft Dungeons 2 features a new vibrant world called 'the Sift,' expanding on the original game's mechanics and aesthetics. The game introduces new gameplay elements, such as character jumping, enhancing combat strategy. It is set to launch on September 29, priced at .99 / £24.99, and will be available on Game Pass. A deluxe edition will include extra hero skins, a new cape and pet, and additional downloadable content.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

It’s Time. How to Get Early Access to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta

Activision is set to launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on October 23, 2026. The Early Access Beta will run from August 21 at 2 p.m. ET to August 25 at 1 p.m. ET, available for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, requiring a preorder. Players can preload the beta starting August 20 at noon ET. The open beta will take place from August 28 at 1 p.m. ET to September 1 at 1 p.m. ET, accessible to all players on Xbox, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2, with preload available from August 26 at noon ET. To access the Early Access Beta, players can either preorder the game or have an active Discord Nitro subscription. Minimum system requirements for the PC beta include Windows 10 64 Bit, AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel Core i5-8400, 12GB RAM, and specific video card requirements. Recommended requirements include Windows 11 64 Bit, AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i7-8700, 16GB RAM, and higher-end video cards.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Beyond These Stars Arrives Oct 15 on PC Game Pass With Full 1.0 Launch

Hooded Horse and Balancing Monkey Games will release Beyond These Stars on October 15, 2026. The game is a city-building and colony management title set on the back of a sentient Space Whale named Kewa. It will be available on Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store, with day-one access for PC Game Pass subscribers. Beyond These Stars serves as a sequel to Before We Leave and features players guiding a civilization called the Peeps while managing resources and Kewa's well-being. The game emphasizes ecological mutualism, where Kewa's happiness affects gameplay. Players will navigate a complex production system and can explore a procedurally generated Galaxy Map with various star systems. The game has received positive feedback from critics and will launch as a complete 1.0 title, bypassing Early Access. The minimum system requirements include a Windows 10 (64-bit) PC with an Intel Core i3-6300 or AMD FX-9370, 8 GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GTX 750 or AMD Radeon R9 380. A free demo is currently available on Steam.