Xbox Game Pass Confirmed For PC With New, Day-One Game Releases

Microsoft has formally announced that it is bringing its Netflix-style subscription service for games, Xbox Game Pass, to PC. Subscribers are able to access a rotating library of downloadable games for one monthly fee. This will remain true on PC, although specifics on any crossover between the Xbox One and PC versions remains unclear.

Even on PC, the service will be called Xbox Game Pass. Although it shares a name with the Xbox One version, the announcement makes clear that the PC library will be curated separately. The company calls it "a new experience that we are building together with the PC community." More details will be shared during Microsoft's E3 2019 press conference.

In the announcement from Xbox head Phil Spencer, Microsoft says the service will give subscribers access to a curated library of more than 100 PC games on Windows 10, representing publishers like Bethesda, Deep Silver, Devolver Digital, Paradox Interactive, and Sega. The company also committed to including new releases from Xbox Game Studios on the PC version of Game Pass on the day of release, just like the Xbox One service. The library will add new games every month. Game Pass members can also permanently purchase the games at up to a 20% discount in the Microsoft Store, and 10% off DLC.

One question the blog did not answer is whether current subscribers to Game Pass on Xbox One will also receive a subscription to the PC library as part of their existing fee, or whether it will require two separate subscriptions.

The announcement also noted two other key initiatives for PC players. The first is bringing Xbox Game Studios games to the Steam storefront, starting with Gears 5 and the Age of Empires games. The company also committed to supporting Win32 games on the Microsoft Store for Windows.

"These are just a few of our steps in a journey to contribute to gaming on Windows 10," Spencer said. "We know that PC gamers want to see games, so I hope you'll join us at our annual Xbox E3 2019 Briefing on Sunday, June 9 to hear more, including the amazing lineup of new games and offers coming to PC players."

On Xbox One, the Game Pass service costs $10 / £8 / $11 AU per month for a similarly sized library of rotating games. It's developed a healthy reputation for having a solid library, including some indies on day one. It recently outlined plans for late May and early June, which includes day-one access to Void Bastards and Outer Wilds.

As noted above, Microsoft will provide further details during its E3 press conference. It takes place on Sunday, June 9, at 1 PM PT.