Xbox Expands Game Pass Ultimate with Two Games Spanning Decades

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Welcomes EA Sports UFC 5 and Diablo

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers gain access to two highly anticipated titles: EA Sports UFC 5 and Diablo, launching today. These additions mark the culmination of Wave 1 for January 2025's Game Pass additions.

The legendary Diablo, a seminal hack-and-slash RPG released in late 1996, needs no introduction. Joining it is the recently released EA Sports UFC 5 (October 2023), the latest installment in EA's popular MMA fighting game franchise. This pairing showcases the diverse range of titles available on the service.

While Microsoft prioritizes cross-platform titles, these two games offer different experiences. Diablo is PC-exclusive, while EA Sports UFC 5 requires an Xbox Series X/S for local play. However, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with sufficient internet speeds can stream UFC 5 via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Activision Blizzard's Growing Presence on Xbox Game Pass

With the addition of Diablo, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now boasts over a dozen Activision Blizzard titles (including Spyro and Crash Bandicoot trilogies as three games each). This represents a significant addition since Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard in late 2023, averaging nearly one new title per month. While many more Activision Blizzard games are expected, the current release pace is encouraging.

Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Titles

EA Sports UFC 5 and Diablo conclude Wave 1 of January 2025's Xbox Game Pass additions. Wave 2 is anticipated soon, potentially around January 21, aligning with Microsoft's usual Tuesday announcements.

Further announcements are expected before month's end, with the Xbox Developer Direct on January 23 featuring Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, South of Midnight, and Doom: The Dark Ages—all confirmed as day-one Xbox Game Pass Ultimate titles for 2025. Before the Direct, six games will leave the service on January 15, including Insurgency: Sandstorm and Those Who Remain.

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