Xbox Game Pass Unveils Exciting Day One Additions

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 7:12 a.m.

Exciting Xbox Game Pass updates include Day One additions like Party Animals and Payday 3. Gotham Knights arrives in October. Seven games are leaving, but discounted purchases are available.

In recent Xbox news, the gaming world has been buzzing with excitement, thanks to a slew of announcements regarding new additions to the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. While rumors of upcoming consoles have been circulating, there's plenty of concrete information to keep gamers thrilled. Microsoft, through Xbox Wire, officially revealed a diverse lineup of titles that will grace Game Pass in the coming weeks, with the added bonus of four of these titles being available on Day One.

The most recent addition to Xbox Game Pass, the Soulslike title Lies of P, had gamers engrossed in its challenging world. However, before we could fully immerse ourselves in the game, news broke of even more exciting Game Pass additions. Among the upcoming releases, players can look forward to the console-exclusive jelly brawler Party Animals. This endearing physics-based brawler invites players to select their favorite animal, wield plungers, and engage in delightful battles with friends. Party Animals will make its debut on Game Pass via console and cloud on September 20th.

For those seeking an alternative to the unforgiving challenges of a Soulslike adventure, the Day One launch of Payday 3 offers an enticing opportunity. The Payday series, known for its exhilarating co-op heists, allows players to meticulously plan and execute bank robberies in first-person glory. Despite the series' popularity, Payday 2 was notably abandoned on Xbox, raising some concerns about the upcoming Payday 3. However, the game is set to launch on Game Pass on September 21st, accessible on cloud, PC, and Xbox Series consoles.

Cocoon, developed by Geometric Interactive and published by Annapurna Interactive, is the brainchild of Jeppe Carlsen, renowned as the lead gameplay designer behind Limbo and Inside. This hauntingly beautiful world-jumping puzzler is one of the most highly anticipated indie game releases of 2023. Gamers can rejoice as Cocoon is slated to join Xbox Game Pass on September 29th, offering availability on consoles and PC.

Turning the page to October, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can look forward to a gritty open-world RPG from WB Games Montreal. Set in a post-Batman universe, Gotham Knights arrives on Game Pass on October 3rd. With Bruce Wayne officially out of the picture, players will don the capes of his family members—Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin—to protect the streets of Gotham City. It's worth noting that Gotham Knights will not be a Day One addition to Game Pass.

Lastly, The Lamplighters League, a turn-based strategy game developed by Harebrained Schemes and published by Paradox Interactive, takes gamers on a journey through an alternative 1930s history. In this game, players must assemble a team of agents to thwart the sinister Banished Court cult. The Lamplighters League will also be a Day One addition to Xbox Game Pass, available on cloud, PC, and Xbox Series consoles, starting October 3rd.

While Game Pass continues to bring excitement to gamers' lives, it's essential to note that, as the saying goes, "Game Pass giveth, and Game Pass taketh away." Unfortunately, seven titles will bid farewell to Game Pass subscribers at the end of September. However, these departing games will still be available for purchase at a discounted rate of up to 20% in the Microsoft Store, ensuring that your gaming backlog remains as inviting as ever.