Video game creators are facing a difficult reality on Game Pass. According to the design director of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, many subscribers try a game for only “five minutes” before abandoning it.

The vast library of Xbox Game Pass has completely reshaped the way players consume games. With just a few clicks, users can jump from an indie like Hollow Knight: Silksong to a AAA release such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. While this abundance seems positive for gamers, behind the curtain, developers are dealing with the harsh downside of launching their work on subscription platforms.

Jens Andersson, design director at MachineGames, told The Game Business that the team considered the average behavior of Game Pass users: log in for “five minutes and then quit.” That’s why, for the day-one launch on Xbox/PC Game Pass, they designed an opening sequence that would immediately engage younger audiences who might not even know the films. Bethesda’s goal was to grab attention instantly, without sacrificing the essence of the franchise.

The Harsh Reality of Game Pass

“As for Game Pass… we know player behavior. They log in for five minutes and then leave. You can make some decisions based on that, but at the same time you shouldn’t concede too much. It has to be a great game for the player who stays until the end,” Andersson said. Patterns show that most players rarely finish what they start, especially in a service like Game Pass, which now has over 450 games.

“The most important thing for us is that players finish the campaign, because we’re a story-driven studio. You know that should be your main concern, but at the same time you can’t ignore the bigger picture,” he added (via LevelUp). With this in mind, MachineGames tried to strike a balance between a powerful start and narrative engagement that lasts.

Of course, not every studio designs its game with this “five-minute” rule in mind, but if they want people to stick around on Game Pass, adaptation is essential. Regardless of the ongoing debate, the numbers speak clearly: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle performed strongly on Xbox, PC, and Game Pass, and its PS5 version sold even better than on Microsoft’s own console. Recently, a Nintendo Switch 2 release was also announced, scheduled for 2026.

Source: 3djuegos