As of today, March 2nd, 2024, three games have been confirmed to be leaving Xbox Game Pass in early March, specifically on March 15th, 2024:
- Hardspace: Shipbreaker (Console, PC)
- Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered (Console, PC)
- Shredders (Console, PC)
The removal of titles from Xbox Game Pass is always met with disappointment from subscribers who hope to have continual access to games once they are added. However, the service aims to offset these losses by frequently introducing new and exciting games to the catalog.
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Overview of the Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass
Hardspace: Shipbreaker is a space simulation game developed by Blackbird Interactive and published by Focus Home Interactive. Players take on the role of a shipbreaker, tasked with salvaging derelict spaceships for materials and profit. The game provides an immersive zero-G experience and challenging gameplay as you carefully dismantle ships piece by piece. Hardspace: Shipbreaker first arrived on Xbox Game Pass in June 2021.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered is an acclaimed Japanese role-playing game originally developed by Level-5 and published by Bandai Namco. The remastered version features enhanced graphics and performance compared to the original 2011 release. Players follow the story of Oliver, a young boy on a quest to save his mother, traveling between the real world and a parallel fantasy realm. Ni no Kuni joined Xbox Game Pass in August 2021.
Shredders is a snowboarding game designed exclusively for Xbox Series X/S and PC. Developed by I-Illusions and published by FoamPunch, Shredders aims to capture an authentic and immersive snowboarding experience with realistic physics and free-roaming mountain slopes. It first hit Xbox Game Pass alongside its full launch out of beta in February 2022.
With these three titles leaving on March 15th, there will be some big gaps left in the Xbox Game Pass library, particularly in the simulation and role-playing genres. However, the service has continuously shown an ability to promptly fill openings with new additions.
What Games are Arriving on Xbox Game Pass in March?
To offset the major losses, Xbox Game Pass has revealed some of the new games subscribers can look forward to in March 2024:
- Diablo 4 (Cloud, Console, PC) – March 6th
- Brotato (Cloud, Console, PC) – March 9th
- LBG Bushido X (Cloud, Console, PC) – March 14th
- Ghost Song (Cloud, Console, PC) – March 30th
The upcoming arrival of Diablo 4 is likely the most exciting announcement, marking the first Activision Blizzard game to appear on Xbox Game Pass following Microsoft’s acquisition of the publisher. The epic dungeon crawling action-RPG has been eagerly anticipated by franchise fans. Its launch directly into the Game Pass library represents a major get for the service.
Brotato is a cute platformer from Walkthru Games featuring a sentient potato. Ghost Song is a 2D sci-fi action metroidvania that has been long in development under developer Matt White. These indie additions should help diversify and strengthen Xbox Game Pass’ catalog.
More games for March are likely to be announced over the coming weeks as well. Xbox Game Pass aims to add around 10 new games each month, so subscribers can anticipate even more incoming variety.
Will More Games Leave Xbox Game Pass in March?
While Hardspace: Shipbreaker, Ni no Kuni, and Shredders are the only confirmed Game Pass removals so far, it’s quite possible Xbox will announce additional expiring titles throughout March.
Based on typical Xbox Game Pass removal patterns, some games that have been in the library for an extended period are most vulnerable:
- Dragon Ball FighterZ (Console & PC) – August 2021
- Two Point Hospital (Console & PC) – August 2021
- Wasteland 3 (Console & PC) – August 2021
- Reigns: Game of Thrones (PC) – September 2021
Of course, there is no guarantee these games or any others will leave, but subscribers should keep an eye out for new removal announcements. Xbox is generally transparent about communicating expirations around 2 weeks in advance.
Checking the official Xbox Game Pass social media accounts and blog is the best way to stay up-to-date on what’s coming and going each month.
Strategies for Managing Your Xbox Game Pass Backlog
The constantly shifting Xbox Game Pass library means subscribers may struggle to play all the games they are interested in before removals. Here are some tips for managing your backlog:
- Prioritize new additions – Try to experience new releases and games that just joined Game Pass sooner rather than later, as they are less likely to leave right away.
- Take advantage of discounts – Xbox Game Pass members get up to 20% off game purchases. If you want to keep playing a title leaving the service, consider buying it at a discount.
- Follow the removal announcements – Knowing when games are expiring gives you a concrete deadline to play them if you want.
- Focus on shorter games – Completing smaller indie games and testing out various titles means you’ll get to sample more of what Game Pass has to offer compared to lengthy RPGs.
- Use cloud gaming – Xbox Cloud Gaming means you can experience Game Pass titles on mobile devices and quickly try games without installing.
- Play co-op/multiplayer – Playing with others can make progress faster in games with online co-op or multiplayer modes.
- Review your backlog regularly – Check your remaining Game Pass games often and decide what to focus on next.
With some strategy, you can get the most value out of your Xbox Game Pass membership and play the games that interest you the most before they leave the catalog.
What is the Appeal of Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass has shaken up the video game industry since its launch in 2017 by providing an “Netflix-style” subscription service for games. For a monthly fee, users gain access to a library of over 100 downloadable games spanning Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud gaming.
This model comes with several major advantages for gamers:
- Affordability – Access to a huge library of games for a monthly subscription fee that costs far less than purchasing each title individually.
- Discovery – The variety and rotating selection encourages trying games you otherwise wouldn’t play.
- Convenience – New Xbox exclusives are available immediately on Game Pass at launch. Games can be easily downloaded or streamed.
- Flexibility – You can subscribe for just a month or use recurring billing. Cancel anytime.
- Multi-platform – One subscription works across Xbox consoles, PC, and mobile cloud gaming. Share benefits with others.
- DLC and discounts – Get special member deals and access to expansions for games in the library.
Game Pass has proved so popular that Sony felt pressure to launch its own competing subscription service, PlayStation Plus, which combines cloud gaming access with an on-demand game library.
For the foreseeable future, Xbox Game Pass looks poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing how gamers access, consume, and discover video game content. Read more here
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I’m in the middle of a game that gets removed from Game Pass?
Unfortunately, you will lose access to a game once it leaves the Game Pass library, even if you’re in the middle of it. You’ll have to purchase the game separately or restart it if it ever returns to the catalog. This is why it’s recommended to prioritize Game Pass titles that are being removed.
How much advance notice is given before a game leaves?
Xbox is generally transparent and announces upcoming Game Pass departures around 2 weeks in advance. However, there can occasionally be surprise removals with shorter notices. Checking the Game Pass app and website frequently is the best way to stay informed.
Can I use gift cards or redeem codes to get a Game Pass subscription?
Yes, you can redeem Xbox gift cards or Xbox Game Pass specific codes to pay for a new or existing Game Pass subscription. These can often be purchased at a discount from third-party retailers. Xbox frequently offers promotional discounts for first-time Game Pass members as well.
What happens if my membership lapses? Do I lose my saved progress?
You’ll retain all progress and achievements in Game Pass titles even if your subscription ends. If you resubscribe later, you’ll pick up where you left off. However, you can’t access the games themselves until the membership is active again.
Can I share my Game Pass benefits with others?
Yes, with the Game Pass Ultimate plan, you can share access to the full library of games with up to four other accounts through the Game Sharing feature. You can designate one Xbox as your “Home” console and enable online multiplayer access too.
Does Game Pass work on all Xbox consoles?
Game Pass is supported across all Xbox One consoles, Xbox Series X/S, and can also be accessed via Windows PC and mobile devices through Xbox Cloud Gaming. Some games in the vault may be limited to newer Xbox Series X/S consoles though.
With new games entering and leaving Xbox Game Pass every month, following the announcements from Xbox is the best way to maximize the value you get from a subscription. While saying goodbye to titles in the library can be disappointing, the service strives to continuously offer users exciting new games to experience across various genres, franchises, and platforms. Even with the departures, Game Pass remains an excellent option for gamers looking to play more games for less money.