Xbox is expanding its Game Pass library with ten new titles, including the action-roguelike Ascend to Zero, while simultaneously cutting 3,200 jobs and closing five development studios.
What games are joining Xbox Game Pass this July?
Microsoft is adding a mix of new releases and established titles across its PC, Console, and Cloud platforms. The only entirely new game in this wave is Ascend to Zero, an action-focused roguelike launching July 13.
According to the official release schedule, subscribers can access the following titles based on their membership tier:
- Gears of War: Reloaded: July 9 (PC, Xbox Series X/S, Cloud)
- Tamashika: July 9 (Premium, Ultimate, PC)
- Ascend to Zero: July 13 (Premium, Ultimate, PC)
- PBA Pro Bowling 2026: July 14 (Ultimate, PC)
- Quarantine Zone: The Last Check: July 15 (Premium, Ultimate, PC)
- Mavrix by Matt Jones: July 16 (Premium, Ultimate, PC)
- FixForce: July 17 (Premium, Ultimate, PC)
- Fogpiercer: July 17 (PC only – Premium, Ultimate, PC)
- The Planet Crafter: July 21 (Ultimate, PC)
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2: July 21 (Premium, Ultimate, PC)
Why is Xbox cutting staff while adding content?
The contrast is stark. Xbox is adding ten games while cutting 3,200 employees and shrinking its studio roster by five teams.
Which titles are leaving Game Pass on July 15?
The service is removing ten games on July 15. If you haven’t finished these, you have a narrow window to play them before they vanish from the library.
The departing list includes:
• Dungeons of Hinterberg
• EA Sports Football Club 24
• Stellaris
• Golf With Your Friends
• Minami Lane
• Powerwash Simulator
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition
• Splitgate: Arena Reloaded
• Super Fantasy Kingdom (Game Preview)
• Techtonica (Game Preview)
How do these changes affect the future of gaming subscriptions?
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ascend to Zero arrive on Game Pass?
It launches on July 13 for Premium, Ultimate, and PC Game Pass members.
Can I play Fogpiercer on my Xbox console?
No. According to the release list, Fogpiercer is available exclusively on PC.
How many employees did Xbox lay off this week?
The company cut 3,200 jobs and closed five studios.
What do you think about the current state of Game Pass? Are the new additions enough to make up for the studio closures? Let us know in the comments below.
