Unlocking the Cash Vault: Microsoft's Jaw-Dropping Payday for Day-One Game Pass Launches Revealed

The recent leak of a significant Xbox document has brought to light confidential information that Microsoft did not intend to be disclosed. One of the revelations is the potential financial compensation that Microsoft might offer to publishers in order to have their games available on Game Pass on the day of their release. This initiative of including new releases on Game Pass from day one is a valuable incentive for attracting and retaining subscribers, and Microsoft is willing to make substantial payments for this opportunity.

Sarah Bond, the vice president of Xbox, wrote an email to key personnel including Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and Xbox CFO Tim Stuart. The email outlines the estimated costs involved in securing major third-party games for Game Pass on launch day. It is important to mention that the figures mentioned below are not the actual amounts paid by Microsoft, as many of these games did not ultimately join Game Pass. Furthermore, these prices have not been negotiated or discussed with the respective companies involved.

The content seems to reflect Microsoft's estimated expectations regarding the cost of a deal. However, other aspects, besides financial considerations, would undoubtedly influence a company's decision to release their new game on Game Pass.

With that in mind, the document mentions the "expected partner ask" for various games in 2022 and early 2023, including those already available. The accompanying spreadsheet also consists of columns for determining the likelihood of closing the deal and the game's potential "wow factor."

In regards to GTA V, Take-Two was anticipated by Microsoft to request a monthly fee ranging from $12 million to $15 million. Over the years, GTA V has been added and removed from Game Pass multiple times and is currently available again. Other games were listed with a singular payment amount, such as $250 million for Suicide Squad, $300 million for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and $250 million for Mortal Kombat 1 to be included in Game Pass upon release. The codename for Assassin's Creed Rift, also known as Mirage, was listed at $100 million for its inclusion in Game Pass upon release.

The document also references a next-generation version of Red Dead Redemption II. Microsoft expects Take-Two to request $5 million per month to have it as a day-and-date title for Game Pass. However, Rockstar has not yet announced a new version of Red Dead Redemption II.

Baldur's Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, is also mentioned in the document with a price tag of $5 million. Larian co-founder Swen Vincke expressed surprise at this information, tweeting, "I'd be interested in meeting that analyst." (via NextGenPlayer)

Game Pass "Expected Partner Ask"

Lego Star Wars -- $35 million

Dying Light 2 -- $50 million

Red Dead Redemption II -- $5 million/month

Dragon Ball: The Breakers -- $20 million

Just Dance -- $5 million

Let's Sing Abba - $5 million

Return to Monkey Island -- $5 million

Wreckfest 2 -- $10 million-$14 million

Baldur's Gate 3 -- $5 million

Gotham Knights -- $50 million

Assassin's Creed Mirage -- $100 million

Suicide Squad -- $250 million

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor -- $300 million

Mortal Kombat 1 -- $250 million

The Xbox leaks have provided additional information on Microsoft's future plans for the next-generation Xbox, including a mid-generation upgrade for the Series X|S and a roadmap for upcoming Bethesda games. Furthermore, a leaked Xbox controller featuring haptic feedback has surfaced, and it has been revealed that Spencer held optimistic expectations for Xbox when the PS5 was announced.

How did this leak occur in the first instance? As per the FTC, Microsoft transmitted a link to them containing this information, which was subsequently uploaded by the Court. Although Microsoft later contacted to request the removal of the documents, the internet has an enduring memory.