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Microsoft's controversial subscription fee rise for Game Pass is fully implemented in the month of November, at that time users with the Ultimate level are required to pay $29.99 monthly to enjoy the subscription's complete library.

That's a 50% increase for the platform whose introduction right away caused some longtime members to cancel their membership.

But while Game Pass has had a consistent stream of strong AA titles throughout the year, 2025 has mostly been lacking of true major releases from Xbox.

This changes when Obsidian's sequel is released.

The developer's Long-Awaited Successor

The studio's much-anticipated sequel to its anti-capitalist role-playing game will officially be released on October 29th, unless you have advance access.

Gamers can access early if they acquire the deluxe edition of the game, or if they currently possess the service and choose to upgrade their acquisition for an additional $29.99.

In addition to Call of Duty, The Outer Worlds 2 is definitely Xbox's largest release of the current year.

The first title achieved sales of a minimum of five million units through 2023, which arguably positions it as underrated compared to its dominant inspirations, like the post-apocalyptic RPG franchise.

Substantial Anticipations for the Sequel

Nevertheless, anticipations for Obsidian's new game are likely high.

Releases planned just prior to the end of the year typically suggest that the publisher wants to leverage seasonal revenue, which typically indicates that the most prominent titles usually debut in months like the fall.

The Outer Worlds 2 may very well be the particular title that makes people consider (re)starting a membership subscription.

After all, the alternatives are either to spend $seventy dollars for a individual purchase or $29.99 for launch-day access on the subscription.

For certain players, the subscription might turn out to be the more advantageous option.

The Timer on Economical Experiences

But selecting the subscription also seemingly imposes a time limit on an economical playthrough for Obsidian's RPG.

The first title can take anywhere between 15 to 40 hours of gameplay to complete, depending on how much of a perfectionist the user is.

The sequel is anticipated to be a bigger and improved experience, which might mean a 30-day period may not be sufficient to easily complete it.

Anyone who signs up for Game Pass explicitly to enjoy the sequel must face the real chance that they will have to maintain the membership for no less than a multiple billing cycles.

Does Game Pass still "valuable" if you end up investing more for it than you could merely independently acquiring the release you want?

This Broader Subscription Catalog

In some instances, the response will be positive — notably if they explore the expanded subscription library.

Despite all the controversy surrounding the increased costs, Xbox has succeeded of keeping the platform with solid releases throughout the current year.

Several of those latest additions are impressive releases that gamers may not have actively thought about buying absent the subscription, like Keeper or the action sequel.

The Company's Gamble and Upcoming Releases

Whether the risk works out for the company, it's difficult to obtain a way of knowing.

The company usually avoids sharing precise numbers when it involves members.

Yet between Obsidian's sequel on October 29th and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 planned for Nov. 14, one can expect the metrics is going to move in Xbox's advantage.

At least, that's probably the scenario for any user who already owns an console or computer.

Currently, the public has not indicated receptive to paying $six hundred dollars or more for top-tier consoles.

Significant Releases and Exits

It definitely helps that Game Pass is soon to offer a number of further important titles, like:

• The sequel simulator (Cloud gaming, computer, and console) – October 23rd
• The indie title (Cloud gaming, PC, and Xbox Series X) – November 4th
• The sports management game (computer, Xbox Series X) – November 4th

Departing the service at the end of October, though, are:

• The climbing adventure (Cloud gaming, Console, and PC)
• The tactical spin-off (Cloud gaming, Xbox console, and computer)
• Return to Monkey Island (Cloud, Console, and computer)

The Genuine Test of the Company's Strategy

Conversation about the prospects of Xbox has been constant this year, but November represents the genuine evaluation of Microsoft's subscription plan.

We can only wait and see whether it proves effective for the company.