Must-Play Game: Xbox Game Pass Nails the Summer of 2023 with Stunning New Release

Xbox Game Pass is experiencing a positive turnaround after a mediocre first half of the year. In July, the service is set to receive several exciting day-one titles, including Capcom's dinosaur co-op exosuit shooter, Exoprimal. Additionally, Maquette, originally exclusive to PlayStation Plus, will also be coming to Xbox Game Pass later in the month.

In addition to these new releases, Xbox Game Pass will be offering a range of enjoyable indie games such as The Cave, Techtonica, Arcade Paradise, and The Wandering Village. However, the highlight of July's third-party titles on Xbox Game Pass is undoubtedly Grand Theft Auto 5 from Rockstar, along with its accompanying GTA Online. Despite being an older game, GTA 5 remains highly regarded and may very well solidify Xbox Game Pass as the go-to option for summer gaming.

Getting GTA 5 Might Have Won Xbox Game Pass the Summer

The Summer months hold great significance in the gaming industry. Big events like E3 and Summer Game Fest mark the beginning of Summer, announcing anticipated new games from various publishers. June, in particular, is a busy month for game releases, featuring titles like Street Fighter 6, Diablo 4, and Final Fantasy 16. However, July and August tend to have a slower pace as developers prepare for September and October releases. This creates an ideal opportunity for Xbox Game Pass to shine.

During this lull, Xbox Game Pass has secured the inclusion of Grand Theft Auto 5, which has a history with the platform. Initially added in January 2020, it was later removed in May, only to return in April 2021 until August. After a two-year wait, GTA 5 is finally available again on Xbox Game Pass, making it a must-play for fans.

Xbox Game Pass has experienced a recent decline in new releases and lack of third-party support, causing some fans to lose interest. However, the introduction of Grand Theft Auto 5 has completely changed the game. This addition has showcased why the service is worth its price, offering a top-notch single-player experience that can easily keep players engaged for over 100 hours. Additionally, the online multiplayer aspect of the game remains highly popular and provides countless hours of content. With its arrival, GTA 5 is precisely the kind of game that subscribers need during the summer months.

On the other hand, PlayStation Plus has had a strong lineup of games in recent months. In June, notable titles like Far Cry 6, Rogue Legacy 2, TMNT: Shredder's Revenge, and Inscryption were added to the service. This month, PlayStation Plus continues to impress fans with games like It Takes Two, Sniper Elite 5, and Undertale, among others. However, while the July lineup for PlayStation Plus is impressive, none of these games can quite compete with the level of Grand Theft Auto 5.