Xbox Game Pass Adds EA Blockbusters But Loses Popular Indies

In a move that’s stirring both excitement and concern among subscribers, Xbox Game Pass’s latest update brings major additions from Electronic Arts’ catalog — but at the expense of some beloved indie titles. With titan franchises like *Battlefield*, *Dead Space*, and *It Takes Two* making their debut or returning to the service, the refresh underscores Microsoft’s continued push to leverage major publisher partnerships to keep its subscription platform competitive.

The biggest headline grabber is the arrival of *Dead Space (2023)*, the acclaimed remake of the survival horror classic, which joins the lineup alongside fan-favorite co-op adventure *It Takes Two* and *Battlefield 2042*. All three are available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members via EA Play, the built-in integration with EA’s subscription service.

However, the celebratory mood is tempered by the departure of several indie darlings that had become staples of the Game Pass library. Critically acclaimed indie hits like *Unpacking*, *Slay the Spire*, and *Spiritfarer* are all set to leave the platform within the next two weeks. For many subscribers, these titles represent the soul of Game Pass — providing opportunities to discover unique gaming experiences outside the AAA space.

Fans took to social media to express mixed feelings. Some praised the inclusion of high-budget experiences, while others lamented the attrition of what they see as Game Pass’s unique value proposition: showcasing diverse and experimental games that might otherwise fly under the radar.

Microsoft has not commented directly on the removals, though it’s a standard part of the service’s rotating library model. Games cycle in and out monthly, but this latest batch of removals has struck a nerve among players who champion the indie scene.

As Xbox continues to juggle blockbuster appeal and artistic variety within Game Pass, the pressure is on to maintain a balance that satisfies both thrill-seekers looking for big studio productions and the connoisseurs curled up with their next offbeat discovery. Whether this latest shift is a trend or a one-off remains to be seen — but one thing’s clear: the direction of Game Pass continues to provoke passionate discussion among its community.