Microsoft has confirmed a new wave of layoffs across its corporate departments, with significant impacts reported within the Xbox division. Despite this restructuring, the company’s update schedule for Xbox Game Pass remains unchanged, according to official reports from Xbox Wire. Subscribers can expect a fresh rotation of 10 titles to join the service throughout the first half of July 2026, alongside the scheduled removal of 10 existing games on July 15.
What is joining the Xbox Game Pass library?
Microsoft is expanding its catalog with a mix of new releases and classic titles. According to the official Xbox Wire announcement, the additions for the first half of July 2026 include high-profile entries like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 and The Planet Crafter, both arriving on July 21. Additionally, Gears of War: Reloaded will transition to the Premium tier on July 9, having previously been restricted to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members.
Full schedule for July 2026 additions
The rollout is split between the Premium tier and the standard Ultimate/PC Game Pass offerings. The following games are confirmed for the first half of the month:
Xbox Game Pass Premium
- Gears of War: Reloaded (Cloud, Series X|S, PC): July 9
- Tamashika (Cloud, Series X|S, PC): July 9
- PBA Pro Bowling 2026 (Cloud, Series X|S, PC): July 14
- Quarantine Zone: The Last Check (Cloud, Series X|S, PC): July 15
- Mavrix by Matt Jones (Cloud, Series X|S, PC): July 16
- FixForce (Cloud, Series X|S, PC): July 17
- The Planet Crafter (Cloud, Series X|S, PC): July 21
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 (Cloud, Console, PC): July 21
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass
- Ascend to Zero (Cloud, Series X|S, PC): July 13
- Fogpiercer (PC): July 17
Which games are leaving the service?
As part of the routine content rotation, 10 titles are scheduled to depart the platform on July 15. Users are encouraged to prioritize these games if they are currently in the middle of a campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the recent layoffs affect Game Pass updates?
- No. According to the official communication, the restructuring has not altered the frequency or commitment to the Game Pass update schedule.
- When are the new games available?
- Additions are staggered throughout the month, starting July 9 and continuing through July 21.
- How long do I have to play games leaving the service?
- Titles leaving the library are typically removed on the 15th of the month. You have until that date to play them.
Are you planning to jump into Gears of War: Reloaded or revisit the classic Tony Hawk series? Share your thoughts in the comments below or check out our latest gaming coverage for more updates on upcoming releases.
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