The month of July 2023 holds great significance for Xbox Game Pass, both in terms of its historical impact and Microsoft’s continued strength in the gaming industry. This month marks the first official price increase for Xbox Game Pass in Italy and other European countries. Such a development was somewhat expected, considering the rising costs of games, consoles, and services overall. It is especially noteworthy when considering the upcoming release of Starfield on September 6, 2023, which is expected to have a significant impact on the subscription.
In a strategic move, Microsoft decided to announce the price increase well in advance, allowing the market to adjust to the new pricing structure before introducing Bethesda’s impressive catalog of 90 games. This increase primarily affects console users, while the pricing for PC users remains unchanged. It’s possible that Microsoft is planning to invest further in expanding the PC audience. While we eagerly await updates regarding the legal matters surrounding the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, let’s delve into the exciting games arriving in the first half of July 2023.
The Xbox Game Pass subscription has been a powerhouse for Microsoft, providing gamers with access to a vast library of games for a fixed monthly fee. As the gaming industry evolves and costs increase, it was only a matter of time before a price adjustment occurred. This decision by Microsoft to increase the price demonstrates their commitment to sustaining the quality and quantity of games available through Xbox Game Pass.
With the impending release of Starfield, a highly anticipated game developed by Bethesda, Microsoft has taken a proactive approach to ensure that the market adjusts to the new pricing structure well in advance. This strategic move aims to minimize any potential backlash and allows players to familiarize themselves with the new prices before the much-awaited Starfield release.
The price increase primarily affects console users, reflecting the increased value and benefits that Xbox Game Pass brings to the gaming experience on Xbox consoles. Microsoft aims to maintain the affordability of the service on PC, which is likely part of their broader strategy to attract more players to the PC gaming ecosystem. By keeping the pricing unchanged for PC users, Microsoft signals its intention to continue investing in this platform and expanding its user base.
While the gaming community eagerly awaits updates on the legal issues surrounding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, let’s shift our focus to the exciting lineup of games arriving in the first half of July 2023. These games will further enrich the Xbox Game Pass library, providing endless entertainment and immersive experiences for subscribers.
Grand Theft Auto V – Cloud and Console, July 5th: Experience the Thrills of Los Santos Once Again
Grand Theft Auto V, available on both cloud and console platforms starting from July 5th, continues to captivate audiences worldwide as a true cultural phenomenon. It’s a game that has already made multiple appearances in the Xbox Game Pass catalog, but this time around, it comes with an exciting addition—the native version for Xbox Series X|S. Despite its initial release a decade ago, Grand Theft Auto V from Rockstar Games consistently maintains its immense popularity, boasting an astonishing 170 million copies sold to date.
One of the key factors contributing to the game’s enduring success is its expansive open world, which offers players an unparalleled sense of freedom and exploration. Los Santos, the sprawling city within the game, serves as the perfect backdrop for the thrilling adventures of its three eccentric protagonists. Whether you’re a fan of intense action or simply enjoy immersing yourself in a vibrant virtual world, Grand Theft Auto V has something for everyone.
Moreover, the game’s online multiplayer platform continues to thrive, attracting a massive player base eager to engage in exciting cooperative missions or competitive matches. Join forces with friends or make new alliances as you embark on daring heists, engage in thrilling car chases, or simply revel in the chaotic freedom the multiplayer mode offers. Grand Theft Auto V’s multiplayer component provides endless opportunities for camaraderie, competition, and unexpected encounters, making it a truly dynamic and ever-evolving experience.
It’s hard to believe, but there are still numerous players who have yet to experience the sprawling metropolis of Los Santos. For those individuals, this is an opportunity not to be missed. By seizing this chance, you can embark on a substantial download, launch the game, and find yourself immersed in the dynamic streets of this meticulously crafted county.
Whether you choose to undertake daring heists, engage in thrilling car chases, or simply explore the vastness of Los Santos, Grand Theft Auto V promises countless hours of entertainment and adventure. Its combination of gripping storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and immersive gameplay ensures that players will be enthralled every step of the way. Don’t miss out on this chance to join the ranks of gamers who have experienced the magic of Grand Theft Auto V—it’s a journey you won’t soon forget. So buckle up, gather your crew, and prepare for an exhilarating return to the streets of Los Santos.
McPixel 3 – Cloud, Console, and PC, July 6th: Experience Explosive Action and Hilarious Disasters
Prepare yourself for an epic gaming experience as one of the most legendary gaming sagas in history arrives on Game Pass with the highly anticipated McPixel 3. This exciting addition to the Xbox Game Pass lineup will bring the explosive action of the renowned hero to subscribers on consoles, PC, and cloud platforms. Once again, McPixel is called upon to save the day, finding himself in a multitude of different contexts where chaos and comedic disasters are bound to unfold.
Building upon the concept established in the previous two chapters, McPixel 3 introduces a fresh assortment of fast-paced mini-games that must be completed within a strict time limit. These mini-games immerse players in crazy situations with a high potential for destruction, all while delivering a delightfully demented and occasionally creepy sense of humor. McPixel 3 is designed to provide laughter-inducing moments, focusing more on delivering big laughs rather than complex gameplay solutions. In many ways, it serves as an even more irreverent evolution of the theory previously established by the Wario Ware series.
As you embark on this adventure, be prepared to navigate through a series of absurd scenarios, each presenting its own set of challenges and hilarious consequences. McPixel’s unique approach to problem-solving often results in unexpected outcomes, adding an element of surprise and spontaneity to every gameplay session. With an array of outrageous puzzles to solve and a variety of environments to explore, McPixel 3 promises an immersive and entertaining experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
The time pressure imposed in each mini-game will test your ability to think on your feet and make split-second decisions. Whether it’s defusing a bomb, saving innocent lives, or preventing catastrophic events, you must rely on your creativity, quick reflexes, and a touch of madness to succeed. McPixel 3 encourages you to embrace the chaos and unleash your inner hero in the most unconventional and hilarious ways possible.
McPixel has garnered a devoted following over the years, thanks to its unique blend of zany humor, addictive gameplay, and unpredictable challenges. With the arrival of McPixel 3 on Xbox Game Pass, a new wave of players can now experience the madness firsthand and join the ranks of McPixel enthusiasts. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or discovering it for the first time, McPixel 3 guarantees a memorable and laughter-filled gaming journey that will leave you eagerly anticipating what explosive adventures await.
So, get ready to immerse yourself in the wild and wacky world of McPixel, where destruction meets humor and quick thinking is key. Mark your calendars for July 6th, as McPixel 3 lands on Game Pass, ready to deliver hours of laughter and mayhem across consoles, PC, and the cloud. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to embark on an unforgettable and hilariously unpredictable adventure with the one and only McPixel.
Common’hood – Cloud, Console, and PC, July 11th: Embrace the Power of Community and Survival
Prepare to embark on a profound gaming experience as Common’hood arrives on Xbox Game Pass. While it falls into the category of management games with survival elements, Common’hood offers a unique perspective that places a significant emphasis on the importance of living in a community. In a world plagued by challenging conditions, the key to humanity’s survival lies in organizing and living together within well-structured and efficient spaces.
As a player, you are tasked with the responsibility of building and managing these spaces. Your goal is to assign different roles to the members of the community, cultivate resources for survival, and find ways to sustain the extended family. While the game mechanics may not be entirely new, Common’hood distinguishes itself through its attention to the community aspect of survival. The game explores the aspirations and desires of individuals within the community, highlighting the importance of respecting their individuality and ensuring their needs are met.
Common’hood offers a dynamic and immersive gameplay experience that challenges you to carefully balance the needs of the community. From assigning tasks and roles to ensuring a steady supply of resources, you will face a variety of challenges that require your strategic thinking and management skills. Your decisions and actions will have a direct impact on the well-being and harmony of the community, making each choice you make crucial to its survival.
Beyond the mechanics of resource management and survival, Common’hood delves deeper into the personal stories and aspirations of the individuals within the community. Each member has their own unique personality, dreams, and desires, which must be taken into account as you make decisions. The game invites you to empathize with their struggles, understand their motivations, and strive to create an environment that respects their individuality and fosters a sense of belonging.
Common’hood celebrates the strength that comes from collaboration and teamwork. In order to overcome the challenges of the harsh world, it is essential to distribute tasks and responsibilities among community members effectively. By harnessing the collective skills and abilities of your extended family, you can create a thriving community that stands strong against the odds. Discover the satisfaction that arises from building a supportive and interconnected network within Common’hood.
Common’hood provides a thought-provoking and engaging experience that encourages reflection on the power of community and collective survival. As you navigate the complexities of managing resources, relationships, and individual aspirations, you will witness the profound impact your choices can have on the community’s well-being. Mark your calendars for July 11th, as Common’hood arrives on Xbox Game Pass, ready to immerse you in a world where community is the key to survival. Step into the role of a visionary leader, shape the future of the community, and experience the rewards of fostering a harmonious and thriving society.
Insurgency: Sandstorm – PC, July 11: Immerse Yourself in a Classic Tactical FPS Experience
Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled journey as Insurgency: Sandstorm arrives on PC through Xbox Game Pass. If you’re seeking a more classic gaming experience, this team-based tactical first-person shooter is here to deliver. With a primary focus on war simulation, Insurgency: Sandstorm takes you into the heart of intense close combat, offering a multiplayer experience centered around capturing objectives.
Building upon the success of its predecessor, Insurgency: Sandstorm presents a clear evolution of the core mechanics that made the original game so beloved. It showcases improvements and expansions across every aspect, ensuring a more refined and immersive gameplay experience. As a rather selective competitive game, Insurgency: Sandstorm demands a certain level of skill and experience to excel in the multiplayer arena. Victory is achieved through skillful teamwork and strategic coordination, making communication and cooperation essential components for success.
One of the standout features of Insurgency: Sandstorm is its remarkable realism. The game meticulously captures the behavior of weapons and ammunition, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the gameplay. This attention to detail appeals to fans of technical shooters, offering a deeply satisfying experience for those who appreciate the intricacies of weaponry and ballistics.
Whether you’re engaging in heart-pounding firefights, coordinating tactical maneuvers with your team, or strategizing to capture crucial objectives, Insurgency: Sandstorm provides an immersive and intense battlefield experience. The game’s emphasis on realistic combat mechanics elevates the overall intensity, requiring players to employ skill and precision to outmaneuver their opponents.
Prepare to dive into meticulously crafted maps, each offering unique challenges and tactical opportunities. With a focus on objective-based gameplay, every move and decision you make can impact the outcome of the battle. Whether you’re storming a stronghold, defending a critical position, or escorting a high-value target, Insurgency: Sandstorm ensures that each match is filled with tension and excitement.
Join the ranks of seasoned soldiers and embrace the gritty realism of Insurgency: Sandstorm. With its expanded and refined mechanics, this classic tactical FPS promises an immersive multiplayer experience that will test your skills and strategic prowess. Gather your team, equip your gear, and prepare for the intensity of war in a game that pays homage to the timeless genre of military shooters.
Exoprimal – Cloud, Console, and PC, July 14th: Brace Yourself for an Epic Battle Against Dinosaurs
Prepare for the most highly anticipated release of the first part of July 2023 as Exoprimal, the thrilling new action game from Capcom, launches directly into the Game Pass catalog on day one. This makes it an incredibly enticing title, one that you shouldn’t miss out on and should definitely consider downloading, at least for a test run. Exoprimal takes you on an adrenaline-pumping journey, where you find yourself immersed in a team-based action game, armed with special exoskeletons called Exosuits, as you fiercely battle against a highly disturbing and aggressive threat: dinosaurs.
Set in the year 2040, Earth is faced with the unimaginable challenge of a massive resurgence of ferocious dinosaurs. These prehistoric creatures mysteriously appear in various parts of the world through enigmatic portals, posing a significant danger to humanity. In response, special soldiers equipped with advanced Exosuits, guided by the AI known as Leviathan, rise to the occasion. With the ability to predict the locations of these dinosaur attacks, they prepare themselves to repel the invasion and potentially uncover the mysterious origins behind these assaults.
From what has been revealed so far, Exoprimal may not introduce a completely fresh concept or structure, but its gameplay holds immense potential to captivate fans of classic shooters. It offers an exhilarating and action-packed experience, filled with intense battles against these awe-inspiring creatures from the past. Engage in epic firefights, utilizing a wide range of weaponry and tactical maneuvers to outwit and overcome the ferocious dinosaurs that stand in your path.
As you progress through Exoprimal, the game promises to deliver an immersive and visually stunning world. Explore diverse environments, each meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of awe and danger, while uncovering the secrets of this dinosaur invasion. With its focus on team-based action, Exoprimal offers opportunities for cooperative play, enabling you to join forces with friends or other players to tackle the formidable challenges that lie ahead.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure this gaming summer, as Exoprimal combines intense action, thrilling gameplay, and a richly imagined world. Brace yourself for epic encounters with dinosaurs, push the boundaries of your skills, and experience the excitement that comes from facing off against ancient beasts. Mark your calendars for July 14th, as Exoprimal launches on Xbox Game Pass, ready to transport you into an action-packed realm where humanity’s survival hangs in the balance.
Techtonica (Game Preview) – Cloud, Console, and PC, July 18: Embark on an Extraterrestrial Factory Management Adventure
Get ready for a captivating and immersive gaming experience as Techtonica arrives on Xbox Game Pass. While management games centered around the micro and macro-management of automated factories have flourished in the PC gaming world, Techtonica breaks new ground by making its debut on Xbox consoles as well. Launching in July 2023 with a Game Preview version, this game is not yet in its final form and is expected to evolve and expand in the coming months. However, even in its current state, it offers an impressive array of content and engaging gameplay elements.
Techtonica takes you on an otherworldly journey, where the objective is to construct and automate factories on the surface of an alien planet. Whether you choose to play solo or engage in cooperative multiplayer, your task is to exploit the peculiar resources found on this extraterrestrial world. The game challenges you to establish self-sustainable production systems that not only ensure your survival but also pave the way for exploration. Uncover the planet’s mysterious secrets as you delve deeper into its enigmatic depths.
With its unique blend of construction, automation, and resource management, Techtonica offers a gameplay experience that combines strategic thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. As you build and optimize your factories, you’ll need to carefully balance the utilization of alien resources, considering their properties and characteristics. Develop efficient production lines, streamline workflows, and adapt to the ever-changing demands of your intergalactic enterprise.
Techtonica’s cooperative multiplayer mode provides an opportunity to join forces with friends or other players, allowing you to collaborate and share the challenges and triumphs of extraterrestrial factory management. Together, you can devise intricate production chains, divide tasks, and pool resources, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie as you strive for success in this uncharted realm.
Immerse yourself in the visually stunning landscapes of the alien planet, each filled with unique flora, fauna, and captivating vistas. Unleash your creativity as you design and expand your factories, adapting to the environment and optimizing your operations. Discover hidden secrets, unravel the mysteries of the planet, and unlock new possibilities as you progress through the game.
Techtonica’s Game Preview version provides a tantalizing glimpse into the potential of this exciting factory management game. While it continues to evolve, it already offers a substantial and immersive experience that will keep players engrossed for hours on end. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on this extraterrestrial adventure, where your strategic acumen and creative vision will be put to the test. Save the date—July 18th—as Techtonica arrives on Xbox Game Pass, ready to transport you to a world of alien factories and boundless opportunities.
The Cave – Cloud and Console, July 18th: Embark on a Whimsical Adventure Filled with Mystery
Video game legends Ron Gilbert and Tim Schafer, known for their iconic graphic adventures during their time at LucasArts, reunite once again to bring us The Cave. Their collaboration on this title evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the remarkable achievements they attained in the 90s. While The Cave may not fit the traditional mold of a graphic adventure, upon closer examination, it reveals several defining characteristics that harken back to the genre.
In this captivating adventure game, infused with platforming elements, puzzles take center stage. As players, we are tasked with assembling a team of three peculiar characters from a diverse cast of seven adventurers. Each character possesses unique abilities that will be vital in unraveling the mysteries that lie within the depths of the cave. Prepare to explore a world teeming with absurd figures and enigmatic encounters, as you navigate through a myriad of puzzling challenges.
True to Gilbert and Schafer’s signature style, The Cave showcases their trademark humor. While the humor permeates throughout the game, it is presented through a distinctive gothic aesthetic, reminiscent of the imaginative productions often associated with Tim Burton’s works. This unique blend of humor and aesthetics creates an immersive experience that is both whimsical and captivating.
As you guide your team of adventurers through the dark recesses of the cave, be prepared to encounter an array of intriguing puzzles and obstacles that will test your problem-solving skills. Each character’s abilities will play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges, as you navigate treacherous terrain, interact with bizarre characters, and uncover the secrets that the cave conceals.
The Cave invites players on a journey filled with mystery, humor, and unexpected twists. Its carefully crafted world, brought to life with distinctive visuals and imaginative design, creates an atmosphere that will keep you engaged and enthralled throughout your adventure. Whether you’re a fan of Gilbert and Schafer’s previous works or simply enjoy captivating puzzle-platformer experiences, The Cave promises an unforgettable gaming experience that will leave a lasting impression.
So, gather your courage, assemble your team of adventurers, and embark on a remarkable journey into The Cave. Mark your calendars for July 18th, as this delightful title arrives on Xbox Game Pass, ready to transport you to a world where puzzles abound, humor reigns, and mysteries await your exploration.
