Will Elden Ring Be On Game Pass?

Will Elden Ring be on Game Pass? Exploring the Possibilities

The question of whether Elden Ring will ever grace the Xbox Game Pass library is a hot topic among gamers. It’s a game that has captivated millions with its challenging gameplay and vast open world. Naturally, many people are hoping for a chance to experience it through a subscription service. Let’s dive deep into the likelihood of this happening, looking at various factors that could influence the decision.

What is Xbox Game Pass?

Before we get too deep, let’s quickly recap what Xbox Game Pass actually is. It’s a subscription service offered by Microsoft that gives you access to a huge library of games. Think of it like Netflix, but for video games. You pay a monthly fee, and you can play tons of different titles on your Xbox console, PC, or even through the cloud. It’s a pretty sweet deal for those of us who like to try out lots of games without buying each one individually.

• Different Tiers: Game Pass comes in different flavors, like Game Pass for Console, Game Pass for PC, and Game Pass Ultimate (which combines both, plus cloud gaming).
• Constantly Rotating Library: The games available on Game Pass change over time, with new games being added and others leaving the service.
• Day One Releases: Sometimes, big-name games launch directly on Game Pass on their release day, which is a massive draw for many players.

Why Do People Want Elden Ring on Game Pass?

There are several good reasons why players are eager to see Elden Ring on Game Pass:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Elden Ring is a premium-priced game. Getting it through Game Pass would provide a much more affordable way to play for many.
• Ease of Access: Game Pass makes it super easy to jump into new games without the hassle of buying a physical copy or waiting for a download.
• Trying Before Buying: Some people might want to see if they enjoy Elden Ring before committing to a full purchase. Game Pass offers that perfect test drive.
• Share with Friends: Gamers with a Game Pass subscription could easily recommend and play alongside their friends who also subscribe.

Essentially, putting Elden Ring on Game Pass would make it available to a wider audience, creating a new level of accessibility to this kind of gaming experience.

Elden Ring’s Publisher: Bandai Namco

One crucial piece of the puzzle is Elden Ring’s publisher: Bandai Namco. Unlike some games published by Microsoft themselves, Elden Ring is owned and distributed by a separate company. This significantly changes the dynamic of whether the game would be put on Game Pass.

The Publisher’s Perspective

Bandai Namco, as the publisher, makes the ultimate decision about where Elden Ring is sold and how it’s distributed. They need to weigh several factors, such as:

• Profitability: Placing the game on a subscription service like Game Pass might mean that they don’t make as much profit as from direct sales.
• Game Value: They need to consider how Game Pass will affect the perception of Elden Ring’s value. They wouldn’t want to devalue their product.
• Existing Agreements: They might have prior agreements with other platforms or retailers that impact their ability to release Elden Ring on Game Pass.

Publishers need to balance sales, public perception, and the long-term growth of a game. Sometimes, putting a game on a service like Game Pass can make sense later in its lifespan, as it could bring in new players and renew interest. In the initial years after launch, however, they would usually prefer direct sales to maximize profits.

Microsoft’s Stance and Past Trends

Microsoft, the company behind Xbox Game Pass, often negotiates with publishers to bring games to their subscription service. They are constantly working to expand the library and attract new users. However, not all games can be added due to different negotiations and business decisions made by publishers.

Microsoft’s Strategy

Microsoft often targets big games, especially those that might appeal to a wide range of players. They’ve managed to bring some major titles to Game Pass, even those not directly published by them. This shows they’re definitely open to working with companies like Bandai Namco. Some of their major strategy includes

• Growing the Subscriber Base: Microsoft wants to increase the number of Game Pass subscribers, so adding popular titles is a major strategy for them.
• Day-One Releases: They often try to secure day-one releases for big games which can boost game pass appeal.
• Diversifying the Library: They also aim for a diverse selection of games, from indie hits to AAA blockbusters, to cater to everyone’s preferences.

Precedent With FromSoftware Games

Looking at past releases of games made by FromSoftware, the developers of Elden Ring, gives us a glimpse of how likely a Game Pass addition could be. So, let’s dive into whether previous games developed by FromSoftware have been on Game Pass. Some of FromSoftware popular titles are:

• Dark Souls Series: The Dark Souls games, while highly regarded, have not been on Game Pass. This could be because they are older titles, or Bandai Namco might have had specific agreements.
• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: Sekiro, another highly successful title, also hasn’t been available on Game Pass. This game was published by Activision.
• Other Titles: Many of FromSoftware’s other games also haven’t made their way to Game Pass or other major subscription services.

This data tells us that FromSoftware games, in particular, rarely land on a service like Game Pass, at least not in the initial period. This might indicate a preferred strategy by Bandai Namco, or a specific type of negotiation style in place. This does not rule out the possibility of future occurrences, though, particularly as games get older.

The Timeline for a Potential Game Pass Release

If Elden Ring were to arrive on Game Pass, it’s unlikely it would be anytime soon. Here’s a timeline of possibilities and different phases that usually go with game releases and subscription availability:

Phase 1: Launch and Initial Sales

The first phase is when a game is newly released. During this time, the publisher focuses on maximizing direct sales. It’s highly unlikely the game would appear on Game Pass or any other similar service during the initial launch period, because that could affect sales. The game would be available at its full price.

Phase 2: Sales Plateau and Discounts

After the initial wave of sales, a game’s sales figures tend to level off. This is when discounts are more frequent. The publisher might begin looking at new opportunities to reach more players.

Phase 3: Game Pass Consideration

This is the phase where Game Pass might be considered. Microsoft and Bandai Namco could begin discussions, taking into account how many people are still buying the game, what effect Game Pass would have on future sales, and how it would impact the perception of the game. Adding a game to Game Pass in this phase could give it new life.

Phase 4: Game Pass Release (If it happens)

If a deal is reached, Elden Ring would be available on Game Pass. This could come with the announcement of a limited-time release, or it could be a long-term addition to the library. In the meantime, people are still able to play the game if they purchase it, or through the use of other alternative subscriptions.

Considering the history of FromSoftware and Bandai Namco, this timeline for Elden Ring on Game Pass might be far longer than many people hope. But again, it’s not impossible, just less likely to happen quickly.

Factors Influencing a Potential Game Pass Release

Several factors can impact the decision for Elden Ring to come to Game Pass.

• Game’s Age: Older games are more likely to appear on Game Pass as their sales have already peaked. Elden Ring is still relatively new, so we would need to wait a little bit.
• Sales Performance: How well a game is selling plays a crucial role. If it’s still a consistent seller, the publisher may hesitate to put it on a subscription service.
• Publisher Strategy: Bandai Namco’s goals and strategy play a huge part in the decision-making process.
• Game Pass Needs: How badly Microsoft wants to add Elden Ring to their library will also affect the negotiation process.
• Exclusive Deals: Whether either company has exclusive deals with other platforms can impact the game’s availability on Game Pass.

Alternatives to Game Pass: Other Ways to Play Elden Ring

If you cannot wait and don’t want to wait for the possible Game Pass arrival, there are other ways to play Elden Ring now:

• Buy the Game Outright: You can buy it on your Xbox, PlayStation, or PC, as long as you have the right gaming platform. This is the most direct way to access the game and is the way most people have chosen to play the game.
• Physical or Digital Purchase: Both are valid options depending on your preference. Physical copies are great for collectors, while digital downloads allow quick access.
• Other Subscription Services: Keep an eye on other subscription services, though it’s less likely that it will appear on other services anytime soon.
• Used Copies: If you are on a budget, you could explore used copies of the game. This is also an affordable option for players who don’t want to pay the full price.

Keeping an Eye on the News

The gaming world is always changing, so it’s good to keep track of the latest news and announcements about Elden Ring or Xbox Game Pass. Here are the ways to stay informed:

• Official Xbox News: Follow their social media accounts and official website to get all the latest news on Game Pass.
• Bandai Namco News: Keep an eye on their channels for updates and announcements about their games, including Elden Ring.
• Gaming News Outlets: Many websites are dedicated to reporting on video game news. They’re a great source for real-time information.
• Gaming Communities: Social media groups and forums are often quick to share news and updates, as well as rumors.

In conclusion, while many gamers hope to see Elden Ring on Xbox Game Pass, it is not a simple yes or no situation. Several factors come into play, mainly revolving around the publisher’s choices and Microsoft’s negotiations. The history of FromSoftware games suggests that this might not happen in the short term, but the possibility always remains. It’s worth staying informed and checking for updates from reliable sources. If you can’t wait, there are plenty of other ways to purchase and enjoy this title right now. For the time being, it’s all about keeping an eye on official channels and understanding that these decisions take time and have a ton of moving parts.