Xbox Game Pass was a good idea in theory, former Forza Horizon 5 director says, but "the reality is not enough people have subscribed" - Eurogamer.net

What the report says

Eurogamer reports that Mike Brown, a former director on Forza Horizon 5 at Playground Games, has weighed in on Xbox’s recent turmoil and the role of Xbox Game Pass in Microsoft’s gaming strategy. Brown, who has since left Playground and is leading development of the open-world racing game Clutch at Maverick Games, made the comments in an interview with MinnMax after being asked about restructuring at Xbox, including layoffs and studio divestitures.

According to Eurogamer, Brown argued that Microsoft put major resources behind Game Pass as a subscription service, helping fund games, acquisitions and jobs around the goal of regularly adding titles for subscribers. He said the concept was well intentioned and player-focused, with the promise of affordable access to a broad catalogue, including games that might not otherwise have been made. But he also said the service had not attracted enough subscribers at the prices needed to support that business model.

The article frames Brown’s comments against wider uncertainty at Xbox, including reported pressure on Game Pass targets, price changes and questions over the company’s approach to exclusives and multiplatform releases. Eurogamer says Brown connected the subscription push to the latest restructuring, warning that the fallout would include studio closures, spin-offs and job losses.

Brown also praised former Xbox leader Sarah Bond in the interview, describing her as highly capable and impressive, according to Eurogamer. The report notes that Game Pass remains central to Xbox for now, but says its future weight within Microsoft’s gaming plans is unclear.