Xbox Game Pass Considers Novel First-Party-Only Tier Amid Value Concerns

Microsoft is evaluating a new subscription tier for Xbox Game Pass that would include only first-party games from its own studios, according to recent reports. This potential change comes as Xbox leadership, including Asha Sharma, seeks to address concerns about the service’s value proposition and rising costs.

Exploring a First-Party Focused Game Pass Tier

The Verge reported that one option under consideration at Xbox is a Game Pass subscription tier exclusively featuring games from Microsoft’s own Xbox studios. This approach would differ from the current Essential, Premium and Ultimate tiers by excluding third-party titles entirely. The idea aligns with Sharma’s hints at a “better value equation” for the service, suggesting a more flexible system could be introduced.

As part of this exploration, Microsoft is also considering bundling third-party services with Game Pass subscriptions, a strategy mentioned in both The Verge report and subsequent coverage by Pure Xbox and GameSpot. The company has reportedly debated internally for years about excluding future Call of Duty titles from Game Pass following the Activision Blizzard King acquisition.

Evidence of Testing: The “Triton” Codename

Further evidence of Microsoft’s experimentation with a first-party focused model comes from the discovery of a new internal codename, “Triton.” Windows Central reported that this potential Game Pass program, unlike existing tiers, currently includes only games from Xbox Studios. According to investigations by the user @redphx on X (formerly Twitter), who analyzes Microsoft’s public-facing backend data, the Triton tier features titles such as:

• DOOM Eternal
• DOOM 64
• Dishonored 2
• Fable Anniversary
• Fallout 4
• Fallout 76
• Gears 5
• Halo 5: Guardians
• Halo Wars 2
• Hellblade
• Ori and the Blind Forest
• Psychonauts
• State of Decay 2
• The Elder Scrolls Online
• Retro Classics

This discovery suggests Microsoft may be testing a new subscription model that prioritizes its first-party catalog, potentially as a lower-cost alternative to the full Game Pass library.

Recent First-Party Additions to Game Pass

Despite ongoing discussions about structural changes, Xbox Game Pass continues to add first-party content. In April 2026, the service received its first major first-party day-one release of the year with the game Kiln, which launched on April 23. This title was accompanied by indie additions including Replaced, Vampire Crawlers, and Super Meat Boy 3D.

Significant backlog additions also marked the April update, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), which may signal the beginning of consistent availability for older Call of Duty titles post-acquisition. NBA 2K26 returned to the service after a year’s absence, now available on PC for the first time.

Looking ahead, Microsoft has confirmed upcoming first-party releases such as Forza Horizon 6 (expected May 2026), Halo: Campaign Evolved, Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Call of Duty 2026, and Minecraft Dungeons II. These titles suggest a sustained focus on delivering new first-party content through Game Pass throughout 2026.

Implications for Subscribers

If implemented, a first-party only Game Pass tier could offer subscribers access to major upcoming titles like Forza Horizon 6, Fable, Gears of War: E-Day, and Halo: Campaign Evolved at a potentially lower price point, though without access to third-party games. This model would represent a significant shift in how Xbox structures its subscription service, possibly appealing to players primarily interested in Microsoft’s own franchises although raising questions about the long-term viability of the current all-inclusive approach.

As of April 2026, no official announcement has been made regarding the launch of such a tier. Microsoft appears to be in the evaluation phase, weighing internal feedback and market response before making any changes to the Game Pass structure.

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft is considering a new Game Pass tier that includes only first-party games from Xbox Studios.

  

• The idea is part of broader efforts to improve the service’s value proposition amid cost concerns.

• Internal testing of a “Triton” tier featuring only first-party titles has been identified through backend analysis.

• Recent updates show continued strong first-party support, with Kiln launching in April 2026 and major titles like Forza Horizon 6 confirmed for release.

• No official changes have been announced; the company is still evaluating options based on internal discussions and market considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the proposed first-party only Xbox Game Pass tier?

It is a potential new subscription level that would provide access exclusively to games developed and published by Microsoft’s Xbox Studios, excluding all third-party titles.

What evidence suggests Microsoft is testing this new tier?

The discovery of an internal codename “Triton” in Microsoft’s backend systems, which currently lists only first-party Xbox Studio games, indicates active exploration of this model.

Which major first-party games are expected on Game Pass in 2026?

Confirmed or highly anticipated titles include Forza Horizon 6, Halo: Campaign Evolved, Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Call of Duty 2026, and Minecraft Dungeons II.

Would a first-party only tier include games like Call of Duty?

While Call of Duty is now owned by Microsoft through the Activision Blizzard King acquisition, reports indicate that excluding future Call of Duty titles from Game Pass is also under consideration, meaning its inclusion in a first-party only tier remains uncertain.