Xbox speaks out on rumors of Xbox Game Pass dropping 'day one' games in a purported 2027 restructure — here's what we know

windowscentral.com Sep 16, 2026

Xbox speaks out on rumors of Xbox Game Pass dropping ‘day one’ games in a purported 2027 restructure — here’s what we know

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 16, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Xbox Game Pass faced backlash after a 2025 price hike was reversed by CEO Asha Sharma and the removal of Call of Duty earlier this year amid concerns over sustainability. Online rumors claim a 2027 overhaul will introduce ad‑supported tiers at $12.99 and ad‑free tiers at $19.99 monthly, cut day‑one game releases, eliminate cloud streaming from the base subscription, and add a $5.99 family add‑on. Microsoft spokesperson Paul Tassi told Forbes that the company continuously tests offerings but has no finalized changes and confirms day‑one titles will remain on Game Pass Ultimate for now. Sources say the rumored list is speculative, though Microsoft is indeed exploring adjustments that could affect flagship franchises and pricing structures in the future.

💡 Why It Matters

· The denial highlights that while Xbox Game Pass remains stable, Microsoft is actively re‑evaluating its model, signaling potential shifts in how premium content and services will be monetized.

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PS5 Sequel to Cult Hit PlayStation 3 Action Game Gets Release Window

A cult‑classic PS3 action‑adventure, Lollipop Chainsaw, returns with a sequel for PS5 titled Lollipop Chainsaw 2 Back2Back. Developed by JP Universe and published by Dragami Games and Nada Holdings, the game was showcased at Tokyo Game Show 2026 and is slated for a 2027 release. The original, created by Grasshopper Manufacture, will not return. The new title follows high‑school zombie hunter Juliet in a rebuilt San Romero, now the film‑industry hub Jaredwood, as she battles a director‑controlled zombie menace.

💡 The sequel revives a beloved franchise with fresh talent, signaling Sony’s continued support for niche titles that cultivate dedicated fanbases. It demonstrates how indie studios can leverage legacy IP to attract new audiences on next‑gen hardware.

eurogamer.net · Sep 17

Helldivers 2 and Horizon Forbidden West mysteriously delisted from Steam in the…

Helldivers 2 and Horizon Forbidden West vanished from the UK Steam storefront without warning, leaving new‑buyer users unable to purchase the titles. Existing owners could still launch the games, but a greyed‑out listing displayed an error message stating the items were unavailable in the region. Sony confirmed the removal was accidental, apologized, and said it was working with Valve to restore availability. The glitch is expected to be resolved shortly, restoring full access for UK and Isle of Man customers.

💡 The incident underscores the fragility of digital distribution agreements and the importance of clear communication when platform availability changes. It also highlights the growing tension between Sony’s PC publishing strategy and its commitment to cross‑platform accessibility.

ign.com · Sep 17

Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026 — Everything Announced

Microsoft’s Xbox broadcast at the Tokyo Game Show 2026 unveiled a slate of new titles and updates. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 received a campaign trailer featuring Mads Mikkelsen. Sega’s Crazy Taxi World Tour, ArtPlay’s Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement, and Atlus’ Persona 4 Revival were showcased with fresh trailers. Hideo Kojima announced two upcoming Xbox games—OD – KNOCK and Physint—revealing Bill Skarsgård as the lead in the latter. No release dates were set.

💡 The partnership between Kojima Productions and Microsoft signals a strategic push into exclusive, high‑profile titles for Xbox, potentially reshaping the console’s competitive edge in the next generation.

ign.com · Sep 17

Hideo Kojima Announces It Star Bill Skarsgard Will Portray Physint’s Main Character

Hideo Kojima announced that Bill Skarsgård will play the lead role in the action‑espionage game Physint, now slated for Xbox after PlayStation withdrew. Skarsgård joins Charlee Fraser, Don Lee, and Minami Hamabe in the cast. Kojima said the project is making steady progress, citing recent costume fittings and camera tests. The game’s early production footage debuted at the Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026, and a poster revealed the tagline, “The Next Cold War Begins.” The title is expected to launch after Kojima’s upcoming OD.

💡 The shift to Xbox signals a major realignment in console‑exclusive development, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for high‑profile titles. The involvement of a star like Skarsgård underscores the game's ambition to blend cinematic storytelling with interactive gameplay.

playstationlifestyle.net · Sep 17

Free PlayStation 5 Version of 2018 PS4, PS Plus RPG Out Now

Bethesda’s Fallout 76 receives a free native PlayStation 5 port for owners of the 2018 PS4 version and for subscribers to PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium. Players who purchased the game or have a PS 4 disc can download the upgrade at no cost, while those who only accessed the title through the PS Plus Essential lineup must pay $39.99 on the PS Store. The port delivers 60 FPS, enhanced draw distances, improved shadows, 4K resolution on compatible displays, and variable refresh rate support. PS 5 and PS 5 Pro run at 1440p, with older consoles capped at 1080p.

💡 The free upgrade rewards long‑time players and high‑tier PS Plus subscribers, reinforcing PlayStation’s strategy to deepen loyalty among its core audience. It also demonstrates Bethesda’s commitment to extending the lifespan of its titles across generations.

eurogamer.net · Sep 17

Wardogs has already made more money than Marathon, and its Steam launch…

Wardogs has become one of 2026’s top PC titles, selling over 2.2 million copies and generating $70 million in revenue within months of launch. Its launch pace outstrips rivals Arc Raiders (1.7 million) and Helldivers 2 (1 million), both priced at $40. The game also eclipses Bungie’s Marathon in total earnings, despite Marathon’s multi‑platform presence. Wardogs’ 11 % wishlist conversion and 57 % recent wishlist activity highlight a strong late‑cycle hype. Bulkhead’s CEO addressed workplace culture concerns amid the title’s success.

💡 Wardogs’ rapid sales demonstrate that a mid‑priced title can dominate the market, reshaping expectations for indie and mid‑tier releases. Its performance signals a shift toward high‑volume, accessible games over premium pricing models.