Dead Island 2 has made its debut on Xbox Game Pass today. However, the catch is that it's exclusively available to Ultimate members on consoles. The reason behind this exclusivity lies in the fact that Dead Island 2's PC edition is currently confined to the Epic Games Store until later this year.
Read Also: Marvel's Spider-Man 2 New Game Plus Update Hits the Web Soon
Game Pass Release Stirs Surprise Amidst Limited Marketing
Fans were taken aback by the sudden release of Dead Island 2 on Game Pass, as neither Microsoft nor developer Dambuster Studios provided any substantial marketing for the occasion. This echoes a recent trend on Game Pass, as demonstrated by the unheralded addition of Tales of Arise.
Despite the lack of promotion, Dead Island 2, a well-received sequel to 2011's Dead Island, consistently receives updates, making it a promising inclusion in Xbox's subscription service. However, the decision to limit access to console Ultimate subscribers has sparked controversy.
PC Game Pass Availability and Future DLC Concerns
PC Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will need to wait until April 22, when Dead Island 2's Epic Games Store exclusivity ends, to potentially download the game. The availability of the game on Game Pass until that date remains uncertain. The current restriction to the base game for eligible Game Pass subscribers suggests that additional expenses may be required to access Dead Island 2's upcoming Sola Festival DLC, slated for a Q2 2024 release. Little is known about the expansion, except that it promises a post-apocalyptic rave community, reminiscent of the previously successful Haus expansion.
As Dead Island 2 unfolds in 2024, there are hints at a potential release on the Nintendo Switch. The parent company has confirmed the game's arrival on a new platform this year, and while the Steam release may account for part of this announcement, a Switch release could be in the cards.
Related Article: Mother 3, Earthbound's Sequel Joins Nintendo Switch Online, But Only in this Country
