Summary
Microsoft has spoiled hopes that the upcoming Xbox release ofOctopath Traveler 2will be a part of Xbox Game Pass. A rumor that the 2.5D title would be launching on Xbox Game Pass in 2024 started spreading Wednesday morning, though it was never formally announced. Microsoft has now decided to end the spread of the rumor before it picks up momentum.Octopath Traveler 2is not confirmed for Xbox Game Pass at this time.
The rumor stems from an interview with Xbox VP Sarah Bond. Bond was asked in an official Xbox Wire Japan interview about bothLike a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His NameandOctopath Traveler 2coming to Xbox Game Pass, despiteOctopath Traveler 2having never been announced for the subscription service. Bond’s response acknowledged theYakuzagame’s Xbox Game Pass releasebut didn’t mentionOctopath Traveler 2. The conversation started rumors, nevertheless.
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Hours after the interview with Sarah Bond was published by Xbox Wire Japan, Microsoft issued an official retraction. It removed all mention ofOctopath Traveler 2in relation to Xbox Game Pass and added an editor’s note for clarity. While the language of the statement doesn’t explicitly stateOctopath Traveler 2isn’t coming to Xbox Game Pass, it’s clear that any insinuation that it might be on Xbox Game Pass is either incorrect or was made too early.
As for how this confusing scenario came to be, it’s likely related to the announcement thatOctopath Traveler 2is coming to Xbox consoles in 2024.Octopath Traveler 2is currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch, but not on Xbox. It took years to bring the originalOctopath Travelerto Xbox consoles, and while it won’t take as long,Octopath Traveler 2’s Xbox release is delayed as well. The news ofOctopath Traveler 2’s Xbox release may have been accidentally lumped into Xbox’s Xbox Game Pass announcements.
Just because Microsoft can’t announce thatOctopath Traveler 2is coming to Xbox Game Pass now doesn’t mean that it won’t happen in the future. Microsoft has made a concerted effort togrow its partnership with Square Enixgoing forward. How that fully manifests remains to be seen, but Xbox Game Pass would be all the better with more Square Enix games.
It’s rare for Xbox to announce new Xbox Game Pass games too far in advance.Xbox Game Pass games planned past Octoberare few and far between, andOctopath Traveler 2isn’t coming to Xbox until Q1 or Q2 in 2024. If RPG fans would like to see eitherOctopath Traveleror its sequel be a part of Xbox Game Pass, now’s the time to tell Xbox that’s what the subscription service needs.
Octopath Traveler 2is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch.
