Summary

• Raccoon Logic developer believes Xbox Game Pass devalues content, hurting industry revenue.
• Hutchinson suggests games should be added to subscription services after a year, similar to film distribution.

Alex Hutchinson of Raccoon Logic, the studio responsible for Revenge of the Savage Planet, has voiced concerns regarding Xbox Game Pass, asserting that it undermines the perceived value of content, which could adversely affect the game’s overall sales. Revenge of the Savage Planet was released in May 2025 and became available on the game service on its launch day.

The debate surrounding the impact of Microsoft’s subscription model on the gaming industry continues. Numerous developers and analysts have criticized the platform; including remarks from Jim Ryan, the former CEO of Sony Interactive, who labeled Xbox Game Pass as “destructive”. He noted that there’s a prevailing sentiment among publishers against such business models, echoing similar thoughts from industry analyst Mat Piscatella regarding both Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus not being the future of gaming.

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Translation: Jim Ryan suggested that similar views were shared by many, indicating resistance to subscription services that offer content for free.

In the early phases of the deal with Microsoft, Hutchinson acknowledged the financial support from Game Pass significantly aided their development. However, he indicated that the cash flow from the initial agreement has not been enough to compensate for stagnant sales of the game and its downloadable content (DLC).

Hutchinson also opined that developers should consider delaying the addition of new titles to subscription services for a year, mirroring traditional film release strategies where movies debut in cinemas first before arriving on digital platforms. This view is not new in the industry; previously, Shuhei Yoshida, the former head of PlayStation, shared similar sentiments but later changed course, allowing new games to launch on PS Plus from day one.

Ultimately, Hutchinson warns that the current subscription model can lead to more studio closures and decreased game production as consumers come to undervalue the titles offered freely, stating, “People tend not to appreciate what they get at no cost.”