Microsoft has released a retrospective highlighting the impressive roster of surprise additions to the Xbox Game Pass library throughout 2025, showcasing a series of high-profile titles that caught fans off guard.
Although the final months of 2025 saw a lull in major new project announcements, Microsoft is reflecting on just how prolific the subscription service has been over the past year. Recently, the company has leaned into a strategy of “shadow dropping” games, making them available instantly and bypassing the traditional multi-week marketing cycle.
In a festive year-end video, Microsoft revisits these stealth releases. This approach focused not only on long-awaited, scheduled premieres but also on keeping the community engaged through unexpected, high-value reveals.
The year began with the immediate availability of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black following the Xbox Developer Direct, which launched without a countdown or prior notice. This momentum was sustained by a string of critically acclaimed hits, including the remastered The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, The Rogue Prince of Persia, Pacific Drive, Total Chaos, and the viral sensation Balatro, all of which resonated strongly with the player base.
Source: iXBT.games