Microsoft pauses new third-party Xbox Game Pass deals

Microsoft has reportedly paused the signing of new third-party deals for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, according to multiple industry sources. The move comes as the company’s gaming division undergoes a strategic reset under new leadership.

Several developers who were in advanced discussions to bring their games to Game Pass have been informed those deals are now on hold, sources familiar with the matter said. The information was discussed on the industry podcast The Business of Video Games, with multiple guests corroborating the pause. Fernando Rizo, a partner at Kaboodle Games, stated he had spoken with developers who had deals in various stages of negotiation that were suddenly halted. Shams Jorjani, CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios, who co-hosts the podcast, relayed similar accounts from industry contacts.

Sources emphasized this is likely a temporary freeze rather than an end to the Game Pass program. Rizo suggested the pause is probably due to new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma wanting to align the company’s strategy before authorizing new expenditures. Sharma took over leadership of Xbox in February.

The reported halt to third-party deals coincides with a period of...