Xbox Game Pass remains one of the most influential subscription services in the gaming industry. As of December 2025, Microsoft’s all-in-one gaming platform continues to expand its reach across consoles, PCs, and cloud devices, reshaping how millions of players access and enjoy video games.
With over 34 million active subscribers globally, the service has solidified its reputation as a must-have for gamers in the United States and beyond. Offering hundreds of titles—including day-one releases, indie gems, and major third-party hits—Xbox Game Pass continues to redefine value and convenience in gaming.
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The Latest Xbox Game Pass Updates in 2025
Microsoft continues to evolve Xbox Game Pass with consistent content updates and service improvements. The company recently announced a new wave of December 2025 titles, featuring both blockbuster releases and acclaimed indie additions.
Some of the newest arrivals this month include:
- Avowed (Obsidian Entertainment) – The highly anticipated RPG from the creators of The Outer Worlds, available day one on Game Pass.
- Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl – After multiple delays, this immersive post-apocalyptic shooter has finally launched to strong reviews.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – The long-awaited sequel to the hit indie platformer, available on both console and PC.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (Campaign) – Available through Microsoft’s integration with Activision Blizzard following the 2023 acquisition.
- Forza Horizon 6 (2025 Update) – Includes new seasonal events, cars, and live-service content available immediately for subscribers.
In addition to new releases, Xbox Game Pass regularly rotates older titles to keep its catalog fresh, a feature that continues to appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers.
Game Pass Plans and Pricing in the U.S.
As of 2025, Microsoft offers three tiers of Xbox Game Pass, providing flexibility for different players:
| Tier | Monthly Price (U.S.) | Platform Access | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Pass Core | $9.99 | Xbox Console | Online multiplayer, select library of 25+ games |
| Game Pass PC | $9.99 | Windows PC | Access to hundreds of PC games, EA Play integration |
| Game Pass Ultimate | $16.99 | Console, PC, Cloud | Full library access, online play, cloud gaming, EA Play |
The Ultimate plan remains the most popular choice, allowing gamers to play across multiple platforms with synchronized cloud saves. Subscribers can seamlessly switch between Xbox consoles, PCs, and mobile devices using Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly xCloud).
Microsoft has also expanded its family sharing option, allowing households to share Game Pass Ultimate benefits among multiple profiles.
Impact of Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Acquisition
Since Microsoft completed its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, many of the publisher’s titles have joined the Game Pass catalog.
By 2025, Game Pass includes several fan favorites from Activision’s library, such as:
- Diablo IV
- Overwatch 2
- Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
- Spyro Reignited Trilogy
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2
The biggest development this year was the arrival of the Call of Duty franchise on Game Pass. Starting with Modern Warfare III, all future entries are expected to launch on Game Pass from day one, cementing the platform’s status as a powerhouse for mainstream gaming.
This integration of major AAA franchises has strengthened Xbox Game Pass’s appeal and made it one of Microsoft’s most valuable assets in the gaming division.
Game Pass and Cloud Gaming Expansion
Cloud gaming continues to be one of the defining features of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. As of 2025, Xbox Cloud Gaming supports over 1,300 playable titles across mobile, PC, and console devices.
Players can stream games directly through web browsers, the Xbox app, or smart TVs without needing a console. The technology has improved significantly, now running at up to 120 FPS on supported devices with reduced input lag and enhanced visual fidelity.
Cloud gaming adoption in the U.S. has surged, particularly among players who prefer portable gaming or those who don’t own dedicated gaming hardware.
Additionally, Microsoft’s partnerships with Samsung, LG, and ASUS continue to bring native Game Pass integration to new smart TVs and handheld gaming devices, expanding access beyond traditional consoles.
Games Leaving the Service in December 2025
As part of its rotating catalog model, Xbox Game Pass also removes a few titles each month. Players have the option to purchase departing games at a 20% discount before they leave the platform.
The titles confirmed to leave in mid-December 2025 include:
- Immortals Fenyx Rising
- Monster Hunter Rise
- Citizen Sleeper
- The Outer Wilds
This rotation strategy ensures the library remains dynamic and balanced, continuously introducing fresh experiences while phasing out older content.
Xbox Game Pass and First-Party Studios
One of the biggest advantages of Xbox Game Pass is day-one access to all first-party Xbox titles. Microsoft’s internal studios—now numbering over 30—regularly release new games directly to subscribers.
In 2025, several high-profile first-party releases are available on Game Pass, including:
- Avowed – Obsidian Entertainment’s fantasy RPG, receiving high praise for its storytelling.
- State of Decay 3 – The survival series returns with major AI and co-op improvements.
- Perfect Dark – A long-awaited reboot from The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics.
- Fable (2025) – Playground Games’ reimagining of the classic RPG, available day one on Game Pass.
These exclusive releases continue to drive Game Pass subscriptions and reinforce Microsoft’s commitment to delivering value through its growing first-party ecosystem.
PC and Cross-Platform Play
Microsoft’s strategy for cross-platform integration remains one of the strongest selling points for Xbox Game Pass. Gamers can start a title on their Xbox console and continue on PC or cloud without losing progress.
The Xbox Play Anywhere initiative further enhances this experience, allowing players to own titles digitally across both Xbox and PC with a single purchase.
For PC players, Game Pass includes popular titles optimized for Windows, such as:
- Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
- Valorant (via Riot Games partnership)
- League of Legends with bonus Game Pass benefits
These integrations demonstrate Microsoft’s continued investment in making gaming accessible across devices and platforms.
Competitive Landscape in 2025
While Xbox Game Pass remains the market leader in subscription gaming, competition continues to grow. Sony’s PlayStation Plus Premium, Ubisoft+, and EA Play have all expanded their libraries in response to Game Pass’s success.
However, Xbox’s advantage lies in its multi-platform reach and inclusion of day-one releases. By offering both indie and AAA titles without extra cost, Game Pass continues to provide unmatched value for its price.
In 2025, industry analysts estimate that subscription-based gaming now accounts for nearly 30% of global gaming revenue, with Xbox Game Pass leading that shift.
Looking Ahead for Xbox Game Pass
Microsoft shows no sign of slowing down its Game Pass growth strategy. The company has teased new features expected to roll out in early 2026, including improved AI-powered recommendations, expanded family plans, and greater integration with Xbox Game Studios’ upcoming titles.
With continued investments in cloud infrastructure and partnerships with game developers, Xbox Game Pass remains central to Microsoft’s long-term vision for gaming accessibility and innovation.
Have you tried any of the new December titles on Xbox Game Pass? Share your thoughts and favorite picks in the comments below!