Summary

• A Wizard101 developer explained the game’s probability of not being included on Xbox Game Pass.
• While free-to-play titles like Valorant are featured on Game Pass, a free version of Wizard101 is expected, reducing its necessity.

A Wizard101 developer recently stated that Xbox Game Pass is a double-edged sword, explaining why the game is unlikely to be featured on the subscription service. This insight follows discussions among Wizard101 fans regarding the MMORPG’s potential entry into the Xbox Game Pass lineup.

For nearly 20 years, Wizard101 has allowed players to cast magical spells through its turn-based combat and deck-building gameplay. During this period, KingsIsle Entertainment, the studio behind the game, has consistently provided significant updates. Recent confirmations indicate a much-anticipated console release for both current-gen and earlier versions of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo systems, alongside crossplay support across these platforms. However, KingsIsle recently hinted that the fantasy RPG may avoid Xbox Game Pass for now.

Xbox Game Pass: A Double-Edged Sword?

As shared by a Reddit user, Greg, part of the Wizard101 product team, revealed on Discord that while the forthcoming console release does not guarantee inclusion in the Xbox Game Pass library, the game is anticipated to face tough choices. Greg noted that while Xbox Game Pass offers considerable exposure, it could also significantly eat into profits. Furthermore, he emphasized that the new free-to-play version of Wizard101 will be released in conjunction with a paid membership version, making it even less essential for the multiplayer game to be on Game Pass at launch.

Wizard101 to Avoid Xbox Game Pass

While the introduction of a free-to-play version makes it seem less critical for Wizard101 to launch on Xbox Game Pass, certain free titles have still made their mark on the subscription service. Games like Valorant and Apex Legends have previously included bonus content for subscribers on Xbox Game Pass.

Though a specific release date for Wizard101 on consoles is yet to be announced, it appears increasingly clear that a presence on Xbox’s subscription service is unlikely. In the meantime, Game Pass users can anticipate more significant additions to the catalog in 2025, featuring titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages, FBC: Firebreak, and others.