Highlights
- Third-party Xbox Game Pass deals are reported to face a temporary pause.
- Developers claim advanced negotiations have stalled.
- Microsoft has not commented on the report.
Microsoft has reportedly paused new third-party Xbox Game Pass publishing agreements. The company is reported to be reviewing its gaming business under Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. The claim comes from Fernando Rizo, partner at Kaboodle Games. He stated developers involved in advanced Game Pass negotiations were told their deals had been put on hold.
Microsoft has not commented on the report yet.
Speaking on The Business of Video Games Podcast, co-hosted by Arrowhead Game Studios CEO, Shams Jorjani, Rizo shared what he heard from industry contacts. He said conversations at the First Playable event in Florence, Italy, suggested several studios expecting Game Pass agreements had "got the rug pulled out from under them." When asked if the deals had been cancelled, Rizo said he believes they are simply "on pause" while Microsoft reviews its strategy.
Microsoft Reshapes Xbox Game Pass Strategy
Rizo later clarified his comments to Eurogamer. He stated that he was not aware of Microsoft's internal discussions. Instead, he was sharing what developers had told him. He believes the pause gives the new leadership time to align its long-term strategy before approving more Game Pass agreements.
The reported slowdown comes as Microsoft continues cutting costs.
The company recently lowered Game Pass subscription prices. However, it also confirmed that future Call of Duty games will no longer launch on the service on day one. Microsoft also announced Xbox console price increases of $100 USD to $150 starting in August 2026. Reports have also pointed to possible job cuts and studio closures as part of the broader business reset.
Existing Game Pass Lineup Expected to Remain Intact
Any impact on players is unlikely to be immediate. Game Pass agreements are usually signed months before release. Upcoming first-party games such as Fable and Gears of War: E-Day have not been linked to the reported pause.
Previously announced titles, including Persona 6, are also still expected to arrive as planned. Until Microsoft responds publicly, the reported freeze on new third-party Game Pass deals remains unconfirmed.
