Gotham Knights Receives a Massive Boost with Xbox Game Pass

Article Key Points

Gotham Knights has seen a boost in active players after being added to Xbox Game Pass, with a massive spike in player numbers.

The game received a blend of positive and negative reviews upon its release. However, its availability on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus has sparked renewed interest and the possibility of a shift in opinion. Although PlayStation users spent more time playing the game, the total number of active players on Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus ultimately turned out to be similar.

Gotham Knights, developed by WB Montreal, initially received mixed reviews upon its release. However, it is now gaining popularity among players on Xbox Game Pass. In this game, players can choose from four heroes - Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Robin - as they protect Gotham City in the absence of Batman. They have the option to play solo or in online co-op mode, taking down criminals and supervillains in an open-world environment.

Although Gotham Knights faced criticism for its storyline, combat mechanics, and sidequests in comparison to the highly acclaimed Batman: Arkham series by Rocksteady, it has recently been included in the lineup of games available on Xbox Game Pass for October 2023. Some fans are optimistic that the accessibility of the game through a subscription service like Game Pass, along with the extensive post-release updates and patches addressing technical issues, may change the perception of skeptics and encourage them to give Gotham Knights a try.

Recent reports suggest that Gotham Knights experienced a significant surge in active players after its addition to Xbox Game Pass in October. Mat Piscatella, an industry analyst and former executive of Activision and Warner Bros. Games, shared a graph on Twitter illustrating the increase in player numbers following the game's inclusion in Game Pass. Notably, there was a substantial spike in players during this period. It is worth mentioning that Gotham Knights also witnessed an increase in player count among PlayStation owners after its addition to PlayStation Plus, albeit not to the same extent as its Xbox counterpart.

Ultimately, by the end of October, both Xbox Game Pass and PS Plus had roughly the same number of active players for Gotham Knights. However, the player count gradually declined over the course of the month. Piscatella acknowledges that there may be various factors contributing to the higher initial player numbers on Game Pass, and one Twitter user commented on Piscatella's post, highlighting that while Game Pass captured twice as many players as PS Plus, PlayStation users seemed to engage with the game for a longer duration.

Nonetheless, the availability of Gotham Knights on subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus has proven advantageous. These services provide players with access to a vast game library at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a single game at retail. This affordability factor has likely contributed to the recent surge of interest in Gotham Knights, potentially leading to a more favorable perception of the once-controversial superhero action title. Furthermore, there are rumors circulating that the game may soon be available on the Nintendo Switch, further expanding its reach and appeal.

Gotham Knights

Gotham Knights is an open-world action RPG developed by WB Games Montreal. It features popular characters such as Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing, and Red Hood. Players will have the opportunity to explore Gotham City and confront iconic Batman villains like Harley Quinn. They can also personalize their characters by upgrading gear and progressing through skill trees. Additionally, the game offers a two-player co-op mode for players to team up and face challenges together. Set in DC's Batman Universe, the thrilling story takes place at the Belfry, the heroes' base of operations, as they work together to unravel the devastating mysteries plaguing Gotham.

Batman Franchise

Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS5

Release Date: October 21, 2022

Developed by: WB Games Montreal

Published by: Warner Bros. Interactive

Genre: Action RPG

Editor's P/S

As a fan of the Batman: Arkham series, I was initially skeptical about Gotham Knights. However, I decided to give it a try when it was added to Xbox Game Pass, and I was pleasantly surprised. The game has a lot to offer, including a well-written story, fun combat mechanics, and a beautiful open world. I especially enjoyed playing as Nightwing and Red Hood.

One of the things I appreciate most about Gotham Knights is the way it expands on the Batman mythos. The game introduces several new characters and villains, and it does a great job of fleshing out the world of Gotham City. I also like the way the game explores the different relationships between the four heroes.

Overall, I think Gotham Knights is a solid game that is well worth playing. If you're a fan of the Batman: Arkham series, or if you're just looking for a fun open-world action RPG, I highly recommend checking it out.