Microsoft rebrands Xbox Game Pass PC to ‘PC Game Pass’
“PC Game Pass” is the new name for Microsoft’s gaming subscription service.
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What you need to know
Microsoft has rebrandedXbox Game Passfor PC, its gaming subscription service for Windows 10 and 11. The service, now named “PC Game Pass,” ditches the former Xbox branding, as the company positions the Netflix-style service as central to future gaming plans.
The move distances Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass efforts from its Xbox console offerings, likely to help alleviate confusion caused by its Xbox business and physical Xbox hardware. While PC Game Pass has changed in name, the Xbox iconography remains prominent at this time. Microsoft has been steadily removing the Xbox name from recent PC marketing but is now announcing a formalized moniker for the service.
Microsoft has steadily expanded its Xbox branding far beyond home consoles, with various Xbox features and services across Windows, coupled withcloud gaming on iOS and Android. However, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S remain fundamental to Microsoft’s gaming business, leaving Xbox Game Pass somewhat synonymous with its Xbox consoles.
Really super important patch notes that will change everything you’ve ever known about Game Pass#PCGamePasspic.twitter.com/rSq4FhtO7iReally super important patch notes that will change everything you’ve ever known about Game Pass#PCGamePasspic.twitter.com/rSq4FhtO7i— PC Game Pass (@XboxGamePassPC)December 10, 2021December 10, 2021
It’s been a busy quarter for PC Game Pass, with Xbox Game Studios projects likeHalo InfiniteandForza Horizon 5among recent additions to the service. Microsoft-published projects like Redfall and Starfield are also slated to launch into the service in 2022, accompanied by Total War: Warhammer III, STALKER 2, and other third-party titles. The company has confirmed Sniper Elite 5, Pigeon Simulator, and Trek to Yomi, as other day-one PC additions, following The Game Awards 2021.
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Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central’s Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft’s gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter@mattjbrown.
