Overview

• On May 29, 2025, Shuhei Yoshida called Microsoft’s reliance on Xbox Game Pass “dangerous” if it becomes the primary way to access games.
• Yoshida argued that subscription-only access could allow service owners to dictate game creation, undermining innovation by smaller studios.
• He praised Sony’s approach of selling new titles at full price before adding them to PlayStation Plus as a healthier balance between purchase and subscription.
• Microsoft has repeatedly stated that Game Pass is meant to complement, not replace, standalone game purchases.
• Yoshida’s comments underscore rising scrutiny of subscription services as Microsoft pursues Game Pass expansion following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.