Game Developer Issues Caution on Xbox Game Pass Launch: Insights into His Decision and Reasons Against Replicating the Move
It's no secret that 2025 has been a cracker of a year for blockbuster game releases, with titles like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Assassin's Creed Shadows making waves. But it ain't just the big guns dominating; the indie scene's been sizzlin' too. One such game that's caused quite the stir is Raccoon Logic Studios' "Revenge of the Savage Planet." This action-adventure sci-fi beauty hit the shelves on May 8 and, thanks to Xbox Game Pass, it's available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PCs, PS5, and PS4.
Yet, despite launching on Game Pass, Raccoon Logic's studio head, Alex Hutchinson, has voiced concerns. In an interview with Gamers Social Club, he claims that Game Pass can "devalue" games, leading to less full game sales, lower profits, and financial struggles. Essentially, he's worried folks won't be so quick to shell out cash for games when they can get 'em for cheap on a subscription service.
"We've seen that content has been devalued, and that people are less willing to pay for things," Hutchinson explained. "In the long run, this could mean less games being made and a lot more studios going under."
So, you might be wondering why in the world Raccoon Logic put their game on Game Pass if they feel this way, right? Well, according to Hutchinson, it's all about striking a balance between exposure and sales. The hope was that someone who played the game through Game Pass would snag the DLC pack or convince a fellow gamer to buy a copy. Alas, that hasn't happened, as of yet.
Hutchinson acknowledges that the payments Microsoft dishes out to publishers and developers to get their games on Game Pass do help provide some financial relief, but they're not exactly game-changers, especially compared to the old days. He notes that these payments vary based on the size of the studio and game.
"Years ago, the check for subscription services was big enough to make a big difference. But these days, unless your game is tiny or you're a rare enormous brand, it isn't much," he commented. "But Microsoft have been amazing partners, and we're so glad to be working with them."
The games industry might need to take a page from the movie business, Hutchinson suggests. His vision is for games to first hit traditional sales platforms, with subscription services getting them a year later. He argues that this approach would help protect the value of games and save the industry from a very bleak future.
Revenge of the Savage Planet seems to be doing alright, with Hutchinson stating that "sales have been good," even if most players are accessing the game through Game Pass. One could argue that good games will sell well no matter what - and I'd tend to agree, even if I'm not a dev with access to deeper data.
I, for one, am rooting for the sustainability of the Game Pass model. As someone who's been stretched thin financially, my Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription has been a lifesaver. It gives me access to a ton of games without breaking the bank. And honestly, that's something I think we can all appreciate.
- Raccoon Logic Studios' game, "Revenge of the Savage Planet," is available on multiple platforms, including Windows PCs, Xbox Series X, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation systems.
- Microsoft, the tech giant behind Windows 11 and Xbox, has partnered with Raccoon Logic Studios, but the studio's head, Alex Hutchinson, fears that subscription services like Xbox Game Pass could devalue games, leading to less profit and potentially fewer game releases.
- Despite these concerns, Hutchinson acknowledges that payments from Microsoft to publishers and developers for inclusion in Xbox Game Pass provide some financial relief, even though they're not as significant as in the past.
- Hutchinson suggests that the games industry should consider a model similar to the movie business, where games first hit traditional sales platforms and subscription services get them a year later, to protect the value of games and prevent a grim future.
- The compliance of the Game Pass model is important to some consumers, as it offers access to a vast selection of games at a more affordable price, making it a lifesaver for those on a tight budget.
