The gaming world may be facing a new crisis. Independent game developers have recently expressed their grievances with Xbox Game Pass and the Epic Games Store. Developers claim that their games are not being highlighted, and they suggest that services like Game Pass are “doomed to fail.” So, can Xbox Game Pass really be dying?
Xbox Game Pass and Independent Developers in Conflict
The future of platforms like Xbox Game Pass and the Epic Games Store was a topic of discussion at the 2024 Game Developers Conference. Developers are calling for updates to the terms of their agreements with these services, which have significantly reduced the earnings of independent developers.
Red Hook Studios, known for the game Darkest Dungeon, stated during the conference that the current situation is not sustainable. They pointed out that Game Pass, launched by Microsoft in 2017, no longer supports independent games.
Similarly, Epic Games is no longer providing exclusive titles for its digital store as it did in its early days. This has resulted in independent studios being overshadowed.
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Casey Yano, co-founder of Mega Crit, mentioned that he spoke with at least five small studios, all of which experienced budget cuts. Yano noted that the company barely made any money from their highly successful game Slay the Spire. He emphasized the need for support from Game Pass or Epic Games.
While Xbox Game Pass continues to acquire big titles like Diablo IV, it seems to have shifted away from comprehensive deals for independent games. Similarly, Epic Games appears to have lost the momentum it gained with independent games in its early years. Can Xbox Game Pass really be dying?
