Xbox Has Frozen 3rd-Party Game Pass Deals per Industry Podcast

June 29, 2026 - 09:40

An industry podcast featuring Arrowhead Studios CEO Shams Jorjani has stirred up speculation about Xbox's current strategy for Game Pass. According to Jorjani, who co-hosts the show, multiple third-party developers have reported that their attempts to secure new Game Pass contracts have hit a wall. The claim suggests that Xbox has become unresponsive to recent inquiries, effectively freezing new deals for outside studios.

The podcast did not provide specific names of developers or titles affected, but the statement has fueled discussion among gaming circles. Some interpret this as a sign that Microsoft might be shifting its focus away from aggressive third-party acquisitions for the subscription service. Others wonder if it signals a broader reevaluation of Game Pass's financial model, especially as the service continues to grow but faces questions about long-term profitability.

Xbox has not officially commented on the claim. The company has previously emphasized its commitment to Game Pass as a core part of its ecosystem, but this rumor hints at potential changes behind the scenes. For now, developers and fans alike are left waiting for clarity on whether this is a temporary pause or a more permanent shift in how Xbox handles third-party content.