Microsoft to launch Xbox Game Pass on PC
Custom version of the service will have 100+ games, including day-and-date launches of first-party titles
Microsoft will launch a new version of Xbox Game Pass on PC, which will include day-and-date releases of new games from Xbox Game Studios.
In a blog post published today, Xbox head Phil Spencer described the "unique responsibility" Microsoft has, as the creator of Windows, to approach the PC as, "an open, highly customizable platform."
"We've not always lived up to our aspiration of keeping gamers at the center of everything we do when it comes to the experience they've had on Windows," he said.
However, two years on from the launch of Xbox Game Pass on console, Microsoft has recognized a similar opportunity for developers and players on PC.
"It's called Xbox Game Pass, just like the original, but it's a new experience that we are building together with the PC community"
Phil Spencer
"We designed a service specifically for the needs of PC gamers and PC game developers," Spencer continued. "It's called Xbox Game Pass, just like the original, but it's a new experience that we are building together with the PC community."
Fundamentally, though, the PC version of Xbox Game Pass will adhere to what has made the service such a hit on console. Subscribers will get unlimited access to a library of games -- Spencer said it will have a "curated" selection of more than 100 -- from publishers including Bethesda, Deep Silver, Devolver Digital, Paradox Interactive and Sega.
In addition, new games from Microsoft's internal studios will be available on Xbox Game Pass PC on the day of their global release. This will include titles from recently acquired studios like Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment, Spencer said.
"We're working with over 75 developers and publishers to bring PC content to the service, and we'll ensure the library remains curated and full of great PC titles across a variety of genres, with new games added every month."
Microsoft will share more on Xbox Game Pass for PC at E3, including details of the games that will be included in the library.
Spencer offered no information on a specific launch date or what the service will cost. On console, Xbox Game Pass costs £7.99/$9.99 a month.