Microsoft’s Day-One Game Pass Launches: A Glimpse at the Costs

Microsoft's Day-One Game Pass Launches: A Glimpse at the Costs

Xbox Game Pass: The Pricey Perks of Launch Day Releases

Xbox Game Pass

Hey gamers, buckle up because the big Xbox document leak is here, and it’s spilling all the beans on some juicy secrets Microsoft didn’t want you to know. One of the most exciting revelations is just how much Microsoft is willing to pay to bring games to Game Pass on launch day. Buckle your seatbelts, folks, because this is going to be a wild ride filled with surprises and dollar signs!

Let’s dive into the leaked email from Xbox vice president Sarah Bond to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and Xbox CFO Tim Stuart. Now, keep in mind that these prices are not set in stone and are just what Microsoft expected publishers to ask for. Think of them as wishlist items rather than actual contract ended up discussing with these companies. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, relax, and enjoy this game of financial negotiations.

Big Bucks for Game Pass

The main attraction here is the stunning line-up of games Microsoft was eyeing for Game Pass in 2022 and early 2023. Brace yourselves for some jaw-dropping numbers! According to the leaked spreadsheet, Microsoft was willing to fork out a hefty $12 million to $15 million per month for GTA V. That’s right, folks, they really wanted to keep that hot title rolling in and out of the Game Pass library.

Hold onto your controllers because more eye-popping figures are coming your way. Microsoft was contemplating splashing $250 million for Suicide Squad, $300 million for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and another $250 million for Mortal Kombat 1 to launch on Game Pass. Who needs superhero movie budgets when you’ve got Game Pass, right?

Hilarious Codenames and Bewildered Developers

Let’s not forget the codenames! Assassin’s Creed Mirage, codenamed Rift, had a price tag of a whopping $100 million to hit Game Pass on release day. Rockstar Games’ much-loved masterpiece Red Dead Redemption II was also in the mix, with an expected ask of $5 million per month for a shiny new-gen version. The absurdity of it all caught the attention of Larian Studios, the creators of the legendary Baldur’s Gate 3, who tweeted, “I’d love to meet that analyst.” You and us both, Larian!

The “Expected Partner Ask” Highlights

Now, let’s break down the games and their expected price tags in a neat list so you can marvel at the financial insanity:

Game Expected Price
Lego Star Wars $35 million
Dying Light 2 $50 million
Red Dead Redemption II $5 million/month
Dragon Ball: The Breakers $20 million
Just Dance $5 million
Let’s Sing Abba $5 million
Return to Monkey Island $5 million
Wreckfest 2 $10 million-$14 million
Baldur’s Gate 3 $5 million
Gotham Knights $50 million
Assassin’s Creed Mirage $100 million
Suicide Squad $250 million
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor $300 million
Mortal Kombat 1 $250 million
GTA V $12 million-$15 million/month

Leak Sour Grapes and Next-Gen Nuggets

How did this leak happen in the first place, you ask? Well, according to the FTC, Microsoft accidentally sent this information to them. Oops! The court then uploaded it, and despite Microsoft’s best efforts to erase the evidence, the internet has a memory that would put an elephant to shame. We owe a big thank you to the internet overlords for this delightful peek behind the curtain.

But wait, there’s more! The Xbox leaks also spilled the beans on Microsoft’s long-term plans for the next-gen Xbox, a mid-gen refresh for the Series X|S, and even a roadmap of future Bethesda games. And let’s not forget the leak of a new Xbox controller with haptic feedback. Seriously, it was a buffet of leaks, and we couldn’t be happier!

So, there you have it, my fellow gamers. The secret world of financial negotiations behind Game Pass’s launch day releases has been laid bare. Join us for the next chapter as we eagerly anticipate the next round of rumors, leaks, and mind-blowing revelations. Until then, happy gaming!

Disclaimer: All prices mentioned in this article are fictional and for entertainment purposes only.