Consequences of the loss of Crusader Kings 3 and Celeste on Xbox Game Pass

In brief

• On 31 July 2026, seven titles, including the highly acclaimed Crusader Kings 3 and Celeste, will leave Xbox Game Pass.
• Crusader Kings 3 has an average OpenCritic score in the 99th percentile, while Celeste is in the 100th percentile with a score of 92.
• The list of departing titles is provisional and may differ from official announcements.

Analysis by GAME-scanner

The announcement that seven titles, including top games Crusader Kings 3 and Celeste, will leave Xbox Game Pass has major implications for both players and the gaming industry. These titles are among the best-reviewed games on the platform, which could reduce the appeal of Xbox Game Pass. It is notable that these games sit in the top 1% of highest scores, underlining their value for subscribers. The provisional list raises questions about the stability of the game library and the future of the service.

What does this mean for players?

For players, losing Crusader Kings 3 and Celeste means they may need to buy their favourite games to keep playing them. This could negatively affect the value of their subscription, especially if more highly rated titles follow. Competition in the subscription market is fierce, and the departure of popular titles may reduce player engagement with Xbox Game Pass. Players will have to decide whether they are willing to pay extra for these games, which could create additional financial pressure.

Related GAME-scanner articles

• New titles on Xbox Game Pass: Fogpiercer and FixForce: same topic: same subject: pass, xbox; shared tags: xbox-game-pass