Summary
- PC Game Pass makes you strong [email protected] Developers to create their dream projects.
- We spoke to Guy Richards, Head of Global Independent Creator Partnerships, to explain why.
- We also take a look at four games coming to the service: Lightyear Frontier, Planet of Lana, Everspace 2, And The Last Case of Benedict Fox.
As the [email protected] Brand turns 10 this year, our indie publishing service is stronger than ever. With PC Game Pass able to bring unique games to more players than ever before, we wanted to see how [email protected] empowers developers to realize their dream projects and bring them to the screens of gamers around the world eager to find their next hidden gem.
As part of a recent [email protected] Event we were able to get a detailed insight into four upcoming games. The event gave us a first look at the gameplay and other details for Lightyear limit, Planet of Lana, ever space 2And The Last Case of Benedict Foxsome very different but equally exciting titles heading to PC Game Pass in 2023.
Xbox Wire was also able to sit down with Guy Richards, Head of Global Independent Creator Partnerships at [email protected]to learn more about how the publisher finds great developers and titles for PC Game Pass.
Richards tells us that ID pays attention to two things when it comes to finding promising new games. The first is simple – they have to be great looking, high quality, and fun projects. PC Game Pass is about quality over quantity to ensure members have the best possible experience. From his point of view, one of the funnest parts of the job is exploring as many great games as possible.
“We’re totally focused on seeing games as an art form and looking to advance the industry from a creative perspective,” he says.
The second focuses on diversity – the team is constantly looking for something different in genre, art style, theme, from developers and studios around the world that can tell unique stories.
“We know Game Pass members are playing more genres, they’re playing more games, and 90% of them are playing games they wouldn’t have played otherwise,” says Richards. “So I think it’s really important for the catalog that we offer members this huge range of great experiences.”
partnership with [email protected] is just the first step for a game; Once the journey begins, a whole world of possibilities opens up. Richards explains how [email protected] can use its reach to ensure a game finds its audience. “One of the most rewarding journeys we can take is to see the fan reaction when these games are finally announced and shown,” he says.
Another benefit is the millions of Game Pass subscribers that a game ships to on day one. Richards tells us that discoverability is an ongoing issue with developers.
“Trying to find a way to stand out is harder than ever, and Game Pass is a really powerful tool to make that happen,” he says.
Your friends can help discover new games, too: “I’ve had this personal experience with online multiplayer titles coming to Game Pass on day one, knowing that me and my friends all have the same game library and we’re going online can play,” explains Richards.
There’s also the more pragmatic monetary element with which [email protected] and Game Pass may support developers. Richards says Game Pass members spend 50% more on the Xbox Store than non-members, on both in- and non-catalog games.
“This support empowers developers to take more creative risks to build the games they want to make,” he adds. “That’s what we were built for.”
Speaking of those games, let’s talk about four titles coming through for PC Game Pass [email protected] in 2023 – and we asked the developers of each game what participating in PC Game Pass brought to their project.
Lose yourself in a beautiful new planet in Lightyear limit, a new twist on the farming genre. Armed with your trusty, colorful mech, you set off to build a new life in a mysterious new environment full of secrets to be discovered.
Using your mech as your tool, you can explore many exciting sub-zones, from lush fields of crops to hidden caverns filled with rocks and stones. Look for new plants with special properties or collect resources for upgrades and bring them back to base to build your homestead.
Lightyear limit far from a lonely experience, you can use the radio tower to make contact with a range of NPCs residing on neighboring planets, each with their own unique intel, skills and missions that will reward you with new items and knowledge. Also, be sure to visit the trader when they visit your landing pad to trade old resources for new items and find out about the latest happenings in the area.
If your homestead still feels a little empty, you can invite up to three friends to come and build it with you. Explore the planet together, work together to build a bigger, better base, and uncover as many mysteries as you can.
Xbox cable: Why did you decide to join Game Pass and what does it offer you as a studio?
Joakim K. Hedstrom, CEO of Frame Break: “We believe Game Pass is an excellent environment for a unique multiplayer game like Lightyear Frontier. With a lower barrier to entry, we hope more players will try the game, both in single player and multiplayer.”
Lightyear limit lands on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One – available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass – in spring 2023.
Metroidvania meets Lovecraft in this spooky side-scrolling platformer. You take on the role of Benedict Fox as he works to uncover his dead father’s secrets, accompanied by a friendly demonic companion.
Search for clues related to your father’s memories and gain valuable insight into his life’s work as an inventor by combing through objects in detail. while trying to uncover his magnum opus. As you solve this puzzle, Benedict will be plagued by creepy enemies, demons with a mission to stop you from piecing this puzzle together.
Benedict has a range of abilities including various melee attacks and a dangerous pistol to keep the monsters at bay. Once you’ve slain a few demons and collected their ink, be sure to visit the Tattoo Artist, where ink can be traded for new abilities that will help Benedict defeat even deadlier enemies.
Xbox cable: Why did you decide to join Game Pass and what does it offer you as a studio?
Bartek Lesiakowski, creative director at Plot Twist: “Plot Twist isn’t the biggest game development studio, but we’re ambitious. Like every other developer out there, we wanted to share our stories and collaborate with others. So it was a natural step for us to use Game Pass. It’s amazing how helpful the Game Pass team has always been and the marketing support is just amazing.”
The Last Case of Benedict Fox launches for Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One – available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass – on April 27, 2023.
Buckle up for a starry shootout ever space 2the sequel from 2017 Everspace swap roguelike for rogue one to become a semi-open space raider shooter full of possibilities.
Board your ship and get jobs from all corners of the galaxy to earn credits and unlock better loot. Mission difficulty can be adjusted for a smoother or more intense experience, but the harder you go, the more rewarding the loot becomes.
ever space 2 features a robust campaign and includes six different companions to befriend, each with their own skillsets, backgrounds, and quest lines. Outside of the missions, there is an abundance of planets to explore, from the flaming craters of lava planets to the beautiful depths of mysterious ocean worlds. Each location is filled with mysteries to be discovered and stories to be uncovered.
With nine different ship types, you’ll always have the right amount of firepower at your fingertips, whether you’re flying long distances or maneuvering your way through dogfights. In the Hangar, your ship can be further customized to your needs, tinkering with everything from weapons to shields, and customizing your handling, speed, and other perks to your liking. You can also change your ship’s appearance for the ultimate interstellar bounty hunter experience.
Xbox cable: Why did you decide to join Game Pass and what does it offer you as a studio?
Michael Schade, CEO and co-founder of ROCKFISH Games: “Everspace 2 is our studio’s dream game. We’ve spent the last five years focusing on creating an experience reminiscent of some of our favorite games while creating something that feels new, and we look forward to millions of Game Pass players joining us we come into contact with buildings.
“The financial boost and the additional time it enabled has helped us create a more polished experience for players around the world.”
ever space 2 flies to Windows PC – available with PC Game Pass – early 2023.
A lush, hand-painted world awaits you Planet of Lana. When mysterious war machines invade her quaint fishing village, our heroine Lana and her loyal alien sidekick Mui must embark on a cinematic adventure to rescue Lana’s sister.
Lana can’t make it through the world of Novo on her own, so Mui must lend a helping hand with increased maneuverability, long jumps, and other unique abilities – like a mesmerize ability – to help the pair progress. The two will find help along the way, like the magic stone that allows Lana to bring ancient structures to life. Here Lana can learn more about the world and the machines that destroyed her village.
Inspired by the likes of Studio Ghibli and atmospheric side scrollers like Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee and accompanied by a score The Last Guardian composer Takeshi Furukawa, Planet of Lana is an awe-inspiring journey of growth and survival against mechanical invasion.
Xbox cable: Why did you decide to join Game Pass and what does it offer you as a studio?
Adam Starlight, Creative Director at Wishfully: “It was a really easy decision to bring Planet of Lana to Game Pass. For one, it lowers the financial risk, which means we can focus more on being creative and designing the game we want.”
“And since we’re an indie studio making our debut game, it’s just an incredible opportunity that allows us to reach a massive audience that might not otherwise have discovered our game.“
Planet of Lana is headed to Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One – available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass – in Spring 2023.
