Xbox has reportedly paused negotiations for new third-party Game Pass agreements, according to claims made during a recent industry podcast.
The report comes amid a turbulent period for Microsoft’s gaming division, following widespread layoffs, Xbox price increases, and ongoing questions surrounding the future of the Game Pass subscription service.
The claim originated during an episode of The Business of Video Games Podcast, where Caboodle Games CEO Fernando Rizo alleged that multiple developers in advanced discussions with Microsoft were informed that potential Game Pass deals would no longer move forward.
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Speaking on the podcast, Rizo said he had heard from industry contacts during a recent trade show in Italy that several developers expecting to secure Game Pass agreements had the “rug pulled out from under them” before contracts were finalized.
When asked by Arrowhead Game Studios CEO Shams Jorjani whether Microsoft had stopped signing new deals altogether, Rizo clarified that this was his interpretation rather than confirmed information. He suggested negotiations appear to be “on pause,” but acknowledged that Microsoft has not publicly confirmed any change in strategy.
If accurate, the move could signal a shift in Xbox’s approach to Game Pass as the company continues to reassess its gaming business. Earlier this year, Xbox leadership introduced pricing changes aimed at making the subscription service more sustainable, and recent reports have pointed to increased scrutiny over the platform’s long-term costs.
At the time of writing, Microsoft has not commented on the claims, and there has been no official confirmation that new third-party Game Pass agreements have been paused.
