27-Year Game Gap: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate's Latest Additions

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Welcomes EA Sports UFC 5 and Diablo

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers gain access to two diverse titles today: EA Sports UFC 5 and the classic Diablo. These additions mark the completion of Wave 1 for January 2025's Game Pass lineup.

Released a remarkable 27 years apart, these games showcase the breadth of the service. Diablo, a seminal hack-and-slash RPG released in late 1996, joins the latest installment in EA's UFC franchise, UFC 5, which launched in October 2023.

While Microsoft aims for cross-platform availability, these titles deviate from that norm. Diablo is PC-exclusive, while EA Sports UFC 5 requires an Xbox Series X/S for local play. However, Xbox Cloud Gaming provides an alternative for UFC 5, enabling streaming access for subscribers with sufficient internet speeds.

Activision Blizzard's Growing Presence on Xbox Game Pass

With the addition of Diablo, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now boasts 13 Activision Blizzard titles (counting Spyro and Crash trilogies as three games each). This represents a consistent addition rate of nearly one new title per month since Microsoft's acquisition. While many more Activision Blizzard games are anticipated, this demonstrates a clear acceleration in their arrival on the platform.

Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Additions

EA Sports UFC 5 and Diablo conclude January 2025's Wave 1. Wave 2 announcements are expected soon, potentially on January 21, aligning with Microsoft's typical Tuesday release announcements.

Further announcements are anticipated before the January 23 Xbox Developer Direct, which will feature Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, South of Midnight, and Doom: The Dark Ages – all confirmed as day-one Xbox Game Pass Ultimate titles slated for 2025. Prior to the Developer Direct, six games will leave the service on January 15, including Insurgency: Sandstorm and Those Who Remain.

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