As the gaming landscape shifts into 2024, Xbox Game Pass subscribers are presented with a substantial and diverse catalog refresh, highlighted by the inclusion of major AAA titles such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and the critically acclaimed remake of Resident Evil 2. This strategic influx of high-profile games aims to bolster the subscription service’s value proposition, offering a mix of open-world adventure, intense survival horror, tactical shooters, and unique indie experiences. Concurrently, the service will bid farewell to several prominent titles, including the perennial bestseller Grand Theft Auto V and beloved JRPGs Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden, underscoring the dynamic nature of the Game Pass library.
A Deep Dive into January’s Game Pass Additions
The month of January unfolds with a carefully staggered release schedule for new titles, ensuring a continuous stream of fresh content for subscribers. Each addition brings its own unique appeal, catering to a wide spectrum of player preferences.
Close to the Sun – Available Now
Kicking off the month’s offerings is Close to the Sun, a first-person adventure game developed by Storm in a Teacup and published by Wired Productions. Released in 2019, the title immediately drew comparisons to the esteemed BioShock series due to its atmospheric, narrative-driven gameplay set aboard a colossal, technologically advanced ship named the Helios. Set in an alternate 1897, the game immerses players in a world where Nikola Tesla’s scientific endeavors have achieved unprecedented heights, leading to a sprawling, art deco-inspired vessel adrift in international waters.
Critics largely praised Close to the Sun‘s captivating atmosphere, intricate narrative, and strong environmental storytelling, which collectively earned it a Metacritic score of 75 upon its initial release for the Xbox One. Players assume the role of Rose Archer, a journalist searching for her sister Ada, uncovering a dark and unsettling mystery involving experimental physics and a terrifying sense of isolation. Its inclusion on Game Pass provides an opportunity for a broader audience to experience this unique blend of horror and historical fiction, appealing to those who appreciate narrative depth over combat-heavy gameplay.
Hell Let Loose – Arriving January 4
On January 4, Game Pass welcomes Hell Let Loose, a World War II tactical first-person shooter developed by Black Matter and published by Team17. This title distinguishes itself within the crowded WWII shooter genre by prioritizing realism, large-scale engagements, and profound teamwork. Unlike more arcade-oriented shooters, Hell Let Loose plunges players into brutal 50 versus 50 battles across sprawling, historically accurate maps, meticulously recreated using archival imagery and satellite data.
The game features two distinct game modes: Warfare and Offensive, each demanding strategic coordination between infantry, armor, and artillery units. Players must communicate effectively, manage resources, and utilize specific roles (such as Commander, Officer, Medic, Engineer, or Tank Crewman) to achieve objectives. This emphasis on authentic combat simulation and strategic depth resonated strongly with critics, garnering an impressive Metascore of 84. Reviewers lauded its intense atmosphere, challenging yet rewarding gameplay, and the sense of camaraderie fostered through cooperative play. Its arrival on Game Pass is expected to attract a new wave of players seeking a more hardcore, immersive World War II experience, potentially expanding its dedicated community.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Landing January 9
One of the month’s premier additions is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the twelfth major installment in Ubisoft’s globally renowned Assassin’s Creed franchise. Launched in 2020, Valhalla transports players to the brutal and beautiful Viking Age, tasking them with leading Eivor Varinsdottir, a fierce Viking raider, from the icy shores of Norway to the lush, conflict-ridden lands of 9th-century England.
Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Valhalla represents a continuation of the series’ shift towards an open-world action role-playing game (RPG) format, following in the footsteps of Origins and Odyssey. It features a vast explorable world, an intricate narrative deeply rooted in Norse mythology and Anglo-Saxon history, and a robust combat system emphasizing visceral melee encounters and strategic raids. Players can customize their settlement, engage in political alliances, and embark on epic sagas that shape the destiny of their clan.
Upon its initial release, Valhalla received generally favorable reviews, with a Metacritic score typically in the low 80s, depending on the platform. Critics praised its expansive world, engaging narrative, and satisfying combat, though some noted its considerable length and occasional repetitive elements as potential drawbacks. Destructoid, for instance, rated it "Okay," acknowledging its ambition while pointing out certain design choices that diverged from traditional stealth mechanics. The inclusion of Valhalla on Game Pass is a significant strategic move for Xbox, offering a blockbuster title that can consume hundreds of hours of gameplay, thereby enhancing the service’s perceived value and attracting a broad audience eager for a grand historical adventure. It also highlights Ubisoft’s ongoing partnership with Xbox, further integrating major third-party content into the Game Pass ecosystem.
Figment – Also on January 9
Alongside Valhalla, January 9 also sees the release of Figment, an indie action-adventure game from Danish developer Bedtime Digital Games. First released in 2018, Figment stands out with its unique, hand-drawn art style and its premise: players explore the quirky and surreal landscapes of the human mind, battling nightmares that embody fears and negative emotions. The game cleverly integrates musical elements into its world and combat, with enemies often singing their attacks and the environment reacting to the score.
Figment was met with positive critical reception, praised for its imaginative world design, creative puzzles, and charming musical presentation. Its Metacritic scores generally hovered in the high 70s to low 80s, reflecting its success in delivering a distinct and memorable experience. Its addition to Game Pass diversifies the lineup, offering a whimsical and thought-provoking contrast to the more intense AAA offerings, appealing to players who appreciate artistic indie titles.
Super Mega Baseball 4 – Arriving January 11 (via EA Play)
On January 11, sports fans can look forward to Super Mega Baseball 4, available through EA Play, which is included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Developed by Metalhead Software, now part of EA Sports, this title continues the series’ tradition of providing an accessible yet deep arcade-style baseball experience. It offers a playful alternative to more simulation-heavy baseball games like MLB The Show, focusing on exaggerated player models, customizable teams, and intuitive gameplay mechanics that are easy to pick up but difficult to master.
Super Mega Baseball 4 was released in 2023 and received strong reviews, building upon the solid foundation of its predecessors. Critics lauded its refined mechanics, expanded roster of legendary baseball players, and robust online multiplayer options. Its inclusion through EA Play underscores the growing synergy between Game Pass and EA’s subscription service, providing subscribers with an even broader array of sports titles and enhancing the overall value proposition.
We Happy Few – Returning January 11
Coinciding with the baseball action, We Happy Few makes a return to the Game Pass library on January 11. Developed by Compulsion Games and published by Gearbox Publishing, this action-adventure survival game is set in a dystopian 1960s England, specifically in the fictional town of Wellington Wells, where citizens are forced to consume a hallucinogenic drug called "Joy" to maintain a state of blissful ignorance.
Originally launched in 2018, We Happy Few garnered attention for its unique premise, distinctive art style, and dark satirical tone. While its initial reception was mixed, with some critics noting issues with its survival mechanics and narrative pacing, others praised its ambitious storytelling and immersive world-building. Destructoid’s review highlighted its strengths in atmosphere and character design. Its re-addition to Game Pass allows players who may have missed it previously to delve into its unsettling world and experience its compelling narrative themes of conformity, memory, and rebellion.
Resident Evil 2 – The Horror Masterpiece Arrives January 11
Without a doubt, one of the most significant additions of the month is Resident Evil 2, Capcom’s groundbreaking 2019 remake of the 1998 survival horror classic. Released to universal critical acclaim, this reimagining redefined how classic games could be modernized, setting a new benchmark for remakes in the industry. The game masterfully recreates the terrifying atmosphere and intricate level design of the original while updating its gameplay with a modern over-the-shoulder perspective, enhanced graphics, and refined controls powered by Capcom’s RE Engine.
Players navigate the zombie-infested Raccoon City as either rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy or college student Claire Redfield, each with their own interconnected campaigns. The game excels in building tension, managing scarce resources, and presenting relentless threats, most notably the iconic Tyrant "Mr. X." Chris Carter of Destructoid succinctly deemed it "superb" in his review, a sentiment echoed by its outstanding Metacritic score, which averaged in the low 90s. Resident Evil 2‘s arrival on Game Pass is a major draw, offering an undisputed masterpiece of the survival horror genre that is both a nostalgic trip for veterans and a terrifying introduction for new players. It further solidifies Game Pass’s reputation as a service that delivers not only new releases but also critically essential titles.
Those Who Remain – Closing the Additions on January 16
The final addition for January, arriving on the 16th, is Those Who Remain, a psychological horror game developed by Camel 101 and published by Wired Productions. Launched in 2020, the game follows Edward, a man tormented by his past, as he navigates the eerie town of Dormont, a place shrouded in darkness and populated by shadowy figures. The core mechanic involves using light sources to ward off malevolent entities and solve environmental puzzles.
Those Who Remain received middling reviews upon its release, with critics often praising its atmospheric tension and psychological elements but sometimes critiquing its gameplay mechanics and narrative execution. Given the concurrent presence of Resident Evil 2, a titan of the horror genre, Those Who Remain might face stiff competition for player attention. Its inclusion nonetheless caters to the horror genre’s diverse appeal within the Game Pass library.
Notable Departures from the Game Pass Library
While the influx of new titles is cause for excitement, the revolving nature of the Game Pass library also means saying goodbye to some cherished games. These removals are a regular part of the service’s operational model, designed to refresh content and manage licensing agreements.
Grand Theft Auto V – Departing January 5
One of the most significant departures of the month is Grand Theft Auto V, Rockstar Games’ monumental open-world action-adventure title, which leaves Game Pass on January 5. Since its initial release in 2013, GTA V has achieved unprecedented commercial and critical success, selling over 190 million copies worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling video games of all time. Its sprawling satirical rendition of Southern California, diverse character narratives, and the immensely popular Grand Theft Auto Online component have cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Its removal, while expected given its long tenure on the service and its standalone sales power, will undoubtedly be felt by subscribers who enjoyed its expansive world and endless activities. The transient availability of such a high-profile title underscores the "play it while you can" aspect of subscription services, often prompting players to prioritize games before their removal.
Persona 3 Portable & Persona 4 Golden – Leaving January 15
Adding to the list of departures, two beloved Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) developed by Atlus, Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden, will be removed from Game Pass on January 15. These titles are highly celebrated entries in the Persona series, known for their unique blend of high school simulation, social links, and turn-based combat within a supernatural narrative.
Persona 3 Portable, originally released for the PSP, offers a distinct version of the critically acclaimed Persona 3, featuring a female protagonist option and streamlined exploration. Persona 4 Golden, an enhanced port of the PS2 original, is often hailed as one of the finest JRPGs ever made, celebrated for its compelling characters, intricate mystery, and memorable soundtrack. Both games garnered widespread critical acclaim for their innovative gameplay, deep character development, and emotionally resonant stories. Their departure will be particularly disappointing for JRPG enthusiasts, highlighting the temporary nature of even critically adored titles within the Game Pass ecosystem.
Broader Implications and Strategic Analysis
The January 2024 Game Pass lineup exemplifies Xbox’s ongoing strategy to maintain a compelling and diverse library, crucial for subscriber acquisition and retention in the highly competitive video game subscription market.
Enhanced Value Proposition: The inclusion of major AAA titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Resident Evil 2 significantly boosts the perceived value of Game Pass. These are games that typically command a premium price and offer hundreds of hours of content, making the monthly subscription fee an attractive alternative to individual purchases. This strategy is vital for attracting new subscribers who might be hesitant to invest in individual games.
Diverse Genre Appeal: The January additions span a wide range of genres, from tactical shooters (Hell Let Loose) and open-world RPGs (Valhalla) to atmospheric adventures (Close to the Sun), indie puzzles (Figment), and horror masterpieces (Resident Evil 2). This broad appeal ensures that Game Pass caters to a diverse player base, allowing subscribers to explore new genres and discover titles they might not have otherwise purchased.
Publisher Partnerships: The inclusion of titles from Ubisoft and Capcom, alongside games integrated through EA Play, highlights Xbox’s successful partnerships with major third-party publishers. These collaborations are essential for Game Pass’s long-term viability, ensuring a steady stream of high-quality content beyond Xbox’s first-party offerings.
The "Game Pass Cycle" and Subscriber Engagement: The continuous cycle of additions and removals is a fundamental aspect of Game Pass. While removals can cause disappointment, they also create a sense of urgency for players to experience games before they leave, fostering consistent engagement with the service. The strategic timing of new releases throughout the month also keeps subscribers checking back for fresh content.
Competitive Positioning: In the evolving landscape of gaming subscriptions, Game Pass continues to differentiate itself through its day-one access to first-party Xbox titles and its aggressive strategy for integrating major third-party games. This January lineup, particularly with Valhalla and Resident Evil 2, reinforces its leading position against competitors, offering a strong argument for its indispensable status for many gamers.
In conclusion, January 2024 represents a robust start to the year for Xbox Game Pass. The strategic additions of high-caliber titles, spanning various genres and catering to different player preferences, solidify its position as a premier gaming subscription service. While the departure of popular games like Grand Theft Auto V and the Persona classics is a reminder of the service’s dynamic nature, the fresh influx of content ensures that subscribers will have ample new experiences to dive into, reinforcing the compelling value proposition of Game Pass in the modern gaming era.