Is Game Pass Hurting the Gaming Industry?

While many people in the gaming world think that the Game Pass model is attractive to developers, important names that oppose this view have recently attracted attention. Statements indicating that small studios in particular are harmed in the long term have once again brought the sustainability of the Game Pass system into question. At the center of the debate is Dishonored creator Raphael Colantonio.

The Game Pass Model Has Created Controversy

Raphael Colantonio, founder of Arkane Studios and the head of games such as Dishonored and Prey, argued on social media that Game Pass has harmed the gaming industry in the long term. Colantonio stated that this system is supported by Microsoft’s “infinite money” and is not sustainable. According to him, Game Pass is too dominant a system to coexist with other models.

Colantonio’s statement quickly garnered widespread attention. Larian Studios’ publishing director Michael Douse also agreed with the view, saying that many game developers were keeping their distance from the Game Pass model. Douse emphasized that the question of “Where will this endless money end?” is on everyone’s mind and that this uncertainty creates risks.

Douse also admitted that Game Pass is useful in de-risking projects for small studios, but stated that this advantage is short-term. The fact that the game is not directly available for sale can have negative effects in the long run, as it does not provide direct income to the developer.

Both names expressed their concerns about sales being “canibalized”, that is, Game Pass consuming the sales potential of games. Colantonio stated that Game Pass should only include games from the past, so it would not harm anyone. These statements seem to have ignited new discussions about the future of Game Pass and its impact on the industry.

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