The age-old debate has finally resurfaced, and this time, it’s all about the highly-anticipated Age of Empires 4. With the game’s release date creeping up on us, fans are getting restless, wondering if Microsoft’s latest real-time strategy gem will make its way to Xbox Game Pass. In this article, we’ll delve into the possibilities, examine the evidence, and explore the likelihood of AO4 joining the prestigious Game Pass roster.
The Age of Empires 4 Release Date and Hype
Age of Empires 4, developed by Relic Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios, is slated to release on October 28, 2021, for PC and Xbox consoles. The game promises to deliver a rich, immersive, and visually stunning experience, building upon the foundation of its predecessors. The community is abuzz with excitement, and pre-orders are pouring in. As the wait continues, fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to dive back into the world of medieval warfare, exploration, and empire-building.
Xbox Game Pass: A Brief Overview
Xbox Game Pass, launched in 2017, is a subscription-based service that offers access to a vast library of games, including Xbox exclusives, indie titles, and third-party releases. For a flat monthly fee, subscribers can download and play games without the need for individual purchases. The service has gained immense popularity, boasting a user base of over 20 million subscribers as of April 2021.
The Possibility of AO4 on Game Pass
Given Microsoft’s ownership of the Age of Empires franchise and Xbox Game Pass, it’s natural to wonder if AO4 will join the service. Let’s examine the probability of this occurrence.
Microsoft’s Track Record
Microsoft has a history of including its first-party titles in Game Pass, such as Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 4, and Sea of Thieves. This strategy allows the company to drive subscriptions, increase player engagement, and promote its ecosystem. Considering AO4 is a first-party game developed by Relic Entertainment, a subsidiary of Xbox Game Studios, it’s reasonable to assume that it might follow a similar path.
Xbox Game Pass for PC
In 2019, Microsoft launched Xbox Game Pass for PC, expanding the service to the Windows 10 platform. This move marked a significant step towards unifying the gaming experience across Xbox and PC. As AO4 is initially releasing on PC and later on Xbox consoles, it’s possible that Microsoft might want to capitalize on the game’s appeal by including it in the Game Pass for PC catalog.
Financial Benefits
By adding AO4 to Game Pass, Microsoft can generate revenue through subscription fees, potentially offsetting development and marketing costs. This approach would also enable the company to maintain a steady income stream, as new players join the service and existing subscribers continue to engage with the game.
Potential Drawbacks and Concerns
While the possibility of AO4 joining Game Pass seems enticing, there are some potential drawbacks and concerns to consider:
Revenue Share
Including AO4 in Game Pass might lead to a reduced revenue share for the developers, Relic Entertainment. As the game’s profits would be split between the development studio and Microsoft, this could impact the studio’s financial performance and future projects.
Player Engagement and Retention
Game Pass can sometimes lead to player fatigue, as subscribers might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of available titles. This could result in players jumping from game to game, rather than devoting significant time to AO4. Microsoft would need to ensure that the game remains engaging and fresh to maintain player interest.
What the Community Thinks
We took to social media and online forums to gauge the community’s thoughts on the matter. Here’s what we found:
Positive Sentiment
The majority of respondents expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of AO4 joining Game Pass. Many fans believe that the service would provide an excellent opportunity for new players to discover the Age of Empires series, while existing fans would appreciate the convenience and value offered by Game Pass.
Skepticism and Concerns
Some users voiced concerns about the game’s monetization model, worrying that its inclusion in Game Pass might lead to microtransactions or reduced post-launch support. Others were skeptical about the impact on game development, fearing that the service might cannibalize game sales and affect the overall quality of future titles.
Conclusion
As we await the release of Age of Empires 4, the question of its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass remains a topic of discussion. While there are valid points for and against, the evidence suggests that AO4 might indeed join the Game Pass roster. Microsoft’s track record, the service’s growth, and the game’s PC and console releases all point towards a potential partnership.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the concerns surrounding revenue sharing, player engagement, and the game’s overall quality. Microsoft and Relic Entertainment must carefully consider these factors to ensure that AO4 receives the support and attention it deserves.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the arrival of Age of Empires 4, one thing is certain: Xbox Game Pass would be an excellent addition to the game’s launch strategy. Whether or not AO4 joins the service remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – the future of the Age of Empires franchise has never looked brighter.
Is Age of Empires 4 available on Game Pass?
Age of Empires 4 is currently not available on Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft has not announced any plans to add the game to the service, and it is unclear if it will be included in the future. However, it’s worth noting that Xbox Game Pass has been expanding its catalog of games, so it’s possible that Age of Empires 4 could be added in the future.
In the meantime, players can purchase Age of Empires 4 on the Microsoft Store or through other retailers. The game is available on PC, and a possible console release has not been ruled out. While it’s disappointing that the game is not currently on Game Pass, fans of the series are still excited to get their hands on the latest installment.
What is Xbox Game Pass, and how does it work?
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription-based service offered by Microsoft that allows users to access a library of games for a flat monthly fee. The service is similar to Netflix, but for games instead of movies and TV shows. With Game Pass, users can download and play games from the service’s catalog without having to purchase them individually.
Game Pass offers a rotating selection of games, with new titles added and old ones removed on a regular basis. The service also includes exclusive discounts and perks for subscribers. For example, Game Pass users can get a discount on games they purchase through the Microsoft Store, and they can earn rewards points for playing games on the service.
Will Age of Empires 4 be on Xbox Game Pass for PC?
While Age of Empires 4 is not currently on Xbox Game Pass, it’s possible that it could be added to the service in the future. Microsoft has been expanding its Xbox Game Pass for PC catalog, and the service has become a popular way for PC gamers to access a wide range of games.
In the meantime, PC gamers can purchase Age of Empires 4 on the Microsoft Store or through other retailers. The game is available on PC, and it’s a great option for fans of the series who want to play the latest installment.
Can I play Age of Empires 4 with friends on Game Pass?
Since Age of Empires 4 is not currently on Game Pass, playing the game with friends through the service is not possible. However, if the game is added to Game Pass in the future, it’s likely that cross-play will be enabled, allowing friends to play together regardless of whether they purchased the game or are accessing it through Game Pass.
Cross-play is a feature that allows players on different platforms to play together, and it’s become more common in recent years. With the rise of cloud gaming and game subscription services, cross-play is becoming more important than ever.
How much does Xbox Game Pass cost?
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription-based service, and the cost varies depending on the plan you choose. The basic plan, which offers access to the service’s catalog of games, starts at $9.99 per month. There is also a more expensive plan, called Game Pass Ultimate, which includes additional perks like online multiplayer and access to games on both Xbox and PC.
Game Pass Ultimate is a great option for gamers who play on both Xbox and PC, as it offers a single subscription that covers both platforms. The Ultimate plan is more expensive, at $14.99 per month, but it offers a lot of value for gamers who play on both platforms.
Can I get a free trial of Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Xbox Game Pass offers a free trial that allows new users to try out the service for a limited time. The free trial typically lasts for a month, and it’s a great way to get a feel for the service and see if it’s right for you.
The free trial includes access to the service’s full catalog of games, so you can try out different titles and see which ones you like. If you decide to continue with the service after the trial ends, you’ll be charged the regular monthly fee. If you cancel, you won’t be charged anything.
Is Xbox Game Pass only for Xbox consoles?
No, Xbox Game Pass is not only for Xbox consoles. While the service was initially launched as an Xbox-exclusive offering, it has since been expanded to include PC as well. Today, Xbox Game Pass offers a single subscription that covers both Xbox and PC, making it a great option for gamers who play on multiple platforms.
In fact, the PC version of Game Pass has become very popular, with many PC gamers using the service to access a wide range of games. With the rise of cloud gaming, it’s likely that Game Pass will continue to expand to other platforms in the future.