Rumor: Microsoft Has Temporarily Stopped Adding Third-Party Games to Game Pass

Microsoft has reportedly paused signing new contracts with third-party developers who want to add their games to the Xbox Game Pass subscription. Fernando Rizo, a partner at Caboodle Games and former sales director at Raw Fury, shared the claim on The Business of Video Games podcast, which he co-hosts with Arrowhead Studios head Shams Jorjani.

Rizo stated that he attended the First Playable conference in Italy during mid-June, where he spoke with multiple developers. According to Rizo, these developers reported that their Game Pass collaborations fell through despite some negotiations reaching an advanced stage. None of the interlocutors managed to finalize a contract with Microsoft during this period.

Despite the halted talks, Rizo emphasized that the situation does not signal the downfall of the subscription service. He described the development as a temporary pause and expressed belief that Microsoft will resume active collaboration with third-party developers later. Rizo suggested that the deal freeze is likely connected to a recent change in Xbox leadership, as new management reviews ongoing business processes. Microsoft has not issued a comment regarding the rumors.