Microsoft’s PC Game Pass is getting a brand new day one title later next month, as per an announcement form Blackbird Interactive.
Xbox Game Pass has been experiencing a booming success following its launch a few years ago. Through Xbox Game Pass, subscribers get access to over 100 games, and that includes day-one releases at an affordable monthly subscription. Now, a recent announcement confirms that another day one game is on the way for PC Game Pass subscribers.
Xbox Game Pass has been one of the most successful gaming-related services for Microsoft in recent years with its regularly updated library continuing to draw in more gamers. Part of the service's strategy is to introduce new titles on a monthly basis. Recently, the service added three new titles to PC Game Pass: Life is Strange: True Colors, Panzer Corps 2, and The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk. Now, an announcement from Blackbird Interactive points to Hardspace: Shipbreaker as the latest entry to hit PC Game Pass next month.
Currently in early access on Steam, Hardspace: Shipbreaker is scheduled for a full release on PC on May 22, 2022. As per its description, Hardspace: Shipbreaker equips players with "cutting-edge salvaging tech" which lets them take spaceships apart to recover valuable materials. Through these players can upgrade their gear. With a majority of "Very Positive" reviews on the early access version of the game so far, anticipation will likely be high for the official release of the game. Meanwhile, Homeworld 3 maker Blackbird Interactive has indicated that a console release is also on the way, but specific details are yet to be announced.
Since its launch in 2017, the growth of Xbox Game Pass has translated well for both Microsoft and game studios. For instance, after 2021's slow launch Guardians of the Galaxy has seen a noticeable audience growth owing to its release on Xbox Game Pass last month. Now, as the service looks to expand further, Microsoft is reportedly exploring a family plan for Xbox Game Pass. However, its success hasn't gone unnoticed by other industry players as Sony already announced its revamped version of the PlayStation Plus subscription service in response.
The rising interest in game subscription services makes the space challenging for Microsoft's gaming ambitions. But that's not to say Game Pass isn't without its own internal challenges. For example, while its library gets updated on a monthly basis with new games, titles also leave the subscription service occasionally. Just in April alone, Xbox Game Pass is losing six titles, though some of these are getting newer versions instead. Regardless, the introduction of more day one titles like Hardspace: Shipbreaker means that PC and Xbox Game Pass will continue to pique subscriber interest.
