It’s rumored thatXbox Game Passwill be getting a major game in February 2025 that - if true - highlights the commitment Microsoft has to its Activision Blizzard titles. It’s no secret that Microsoft has been making huge waves within the video games industry over the last few years. Whether it be through its push to make gaming more accessible through Cloud Gaming, or its multiple acquisitions of major studios, it has become abundantly clear howMicrosoft has been charting an ambitious path forward for the industry. And in no way is this more apparent than whenMicrosoft completed its purchase of Activision Blizzardin 2023, securing one of the largest gaming companies under its belt.
Of course, such a huge acquisition comes with monumental pressure for Microsoft to prove how its possession of Activision Blizzard will serve as a benefit to players, especially for fans of the company’s many beloved franchises. As such, Microsoft made a promise toshow support towards Activision Blizzard’s games through the hugely successful Xbox Game Pass service, and the company has kept to that promise since the deal was finalized. In fact,if a recent leak regarding upcoming additions to Game Pass turns out to be true, then it proves Microsoft will continue to fulfill this promise in the future.
Crash Bandicoot 4 Is Reportedly Coming To Game Pass in February
It’s One Of Two Activision Blizzard Games That’s Rumored To Be Added
Recent leaks suggest thatCrash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, developed by Toys For Bob and originally released in 2020, will be added to the Game Pass library in February. The report comes fromInsider Gaming, which also suggests that Blizzard’sHeroes of the Storm, first released in 2015, will also be added. If these rumors are to be believed, it would mean thatplayers will be treated to two games from Activision Blizzard within the same month.
The same report from Insider Gaming also claims thatMadden NFL 25, published by EA, will be among the titles added to Game Pass in February.
The report will certainly come as great news for fans ofCrash Bandicoot, and for good reason. The series is not only home to a multitude of entertaining titles, butCrashserves as a major part of the industry’s introduction to 3D gaming, carrying an important legacy that deserves to be remembered. WithCrash Bandicoot N. Sane TrilogyandCrash Team Racing Nitro-Fueledalready availableon the service, the addition ofIt’s About Timewill only boost the series' popularity among Game Pass members, while ensuring the bandicoot’s legacy isn’t forgotten among players.
More Activision Blizzard Games On Game Pass Fulfill Microsoft’s Promise
Microsoft Is Recognizing The Importance Of These Franchises To Players
While serving as a great boost toCrash’s popularity,It’s About Timewill also help to fulfillMicrosoft’s promise to boost the Game Pass library with a slew of Activision Blizzard titles. AlongsideCrash, Game Pass already boasts many of Activision Blizzard’s most beloved franchises, includingCall of Duty,Diablo, andmore recently,Spyro the Dragon. By following through with the promise it made to players, Microsoft is broadening Game Pass’s appeal to players, positioning the service as the primary location to access the biggest titles in gaming.
Some Activision Blizzard games released following the acquisition are being added to Game Pass on day one, most notablyCall of Duty: Black Ops 6.
More importantly, the addition of Activision Blizzard titles is clear recognition from Microsoft of the importance of these franchises to players. The company is presenting a clear understanding of the value these games have and their overall impact, as well as the need for greater accessibility to allow for said value to be recognized. By committing to giving these titles a greater outreach,it instills faith in fans that Microsoft is working in the interest of the players, while giving these Activision Blizzard franchises the recognition and success they deserve.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Could Make Good On This Promise To Justify Rising Costs
Xbox used to offer a great incentive to join Game Pass, but it seems like it was forgotten as as time went on, but it could really help.
Of course, it’s still unclear whetherIt’s About TimeorHeroes of the Stormwill indeed make their way to the service in February. Regardless, it’s obviousMicrosoft is taking a serious, determined approach to its ownership of Activision Blizzard, ensuring it fulfills the promise it made to players upon acquisition. By doing so, not only is Microsoft ensuring the continued success of the Game Pass service, but it’s also proof of the company’s desire to make Activision Blizzard’s beloved franchises more accessible, benefiting the players the most.
