2022's The Game Awards was dominated by blockbuster AAA releases, with the likes of Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarök sweeping up the majority of the awards. Such results highlight how important these major titles are for gamers. PlayStation and Switch players have been treated to numerous big releases in 2022, including God of War Ragnarök, Horizon Forbidden West, several new Pokémon adventures, and the highly-rated Xenoblade Chronicles 3. However, in comparison, Xbox players have had no first-party or major AAA exclusives to get excited about.
In this sense, it has undeniably been a disappointing year for Xbox. As a result, many fans are questioning whether Microsoft's subscription service, Game Pass, is still worth the money. The bigger picture is that Game Pass still has a lot to offer, including many of the year's highest-rated games, as well as several more unique and creative titles. Therefore, despite Xbox's poor showing in terms of major blockbuster games, it's still been a stellar year for Game Pass.
Many of 2022's Highest-Rated Games Were Released on Xbox Game Pass
In a year widely branded as disappointing for Xbox, Game Pass still offered fans a large selection of quality games. A Plague Tale: Requiem, which was nominated for Game of the Year was available to subscribers immediately upon its release. 2022 has also provided many indie titles that have been highly praised by both fans and critics. For example, games such as Immortality and NORCO were both among the highest-rated of the year and were also released for Game Pass on day one.
If these weren't enough, Game Pass also added a host of other highly-rated recent releases, including Deathloop and Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, both of which only came out in 2021. Of course, the service also still includes hundreds of titles added before this year, meaning subscribers have access to an almost endless back catalog of games for the relatively low cost of $9.99 per month.
Game Pass Gives a Platform to More Creative and Unique Games
Another major positive is that Game Pass enables the creation of many more experimental ventures from both lesser-known and fan-favorite studios. For example, the likes of Pentiment, Scorn, and As Dusk Falls have all been allowed to exist in part because of Game Pass. Given that players are more likely to try out these new titles when they can play them for no extra cost, it allows developers to take more risks. These unique games are great for the industry as they add variety and bring fresh ideas not often seen in the AAA space. These products have been hits with those who have played them, showing how Game Pass continues to benefit gamers.
Game Pass is also fantastic at bringing lesser-known gems to the attention of a new audience. For example, other smaller titles, such as Metal: Hellsinger, Signalis, and High on Life, have been placed on a pedestal, and as a result, have been enjoyed by gamers who otherwise might not have tried them. Although not enough to compete with Sony and Nintendo's blockbuster titles on their own, these types of games are ideal for Game Pass and ensure that Xbox players always have something to look forward to.
Overall, Game Pass has had a strong outing in 2022. The sheer number of new releases, including a nice mix of highly-rated titles alongside more unique experiences, as well as a sizable back catalog, combine to justify the subscription cost. Of course, AAA games are certainly important, but they're not the be-all and end-all of gaming. Although fans have a right to be frustrated and disappointed by Xbox's AAA output this year, the platform, largely because of Game Pass, has still had a fantastic year with lots to offer its subscribers.