The Callisto Protocol won’t be coming to “difficult” Game Pass

The Callisto Protocol developer explains why it won’t be coming to a “difficult” Xbox Game Pass subscription model.

Developed by the newly formed Striking Distance Studios with the likes of Dead Space co-creator Glen Schofield leading the charge, this sci-fi horror proudly wears its influence on its sleeve.

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There is no question that The Callisto Protocol is one of 2022s most hyped video games, especially for those that have been dying for more Dead Space. The Callisto Protocol will be a multiplatform title but it seems that some fans were hoping to see it launch on Xbox Game Pass.

Fans are hyped for The Callisto Protocol

Unfortunately for those fans, it seems that The Callisto Protocol won’t be coming to Microsoft’s subscription service anytime soon. Well, at least during its launch and Striking Distance Studios CTO, Mark James explains why.

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Credit: Microsoft

James suggests during an interview that a single player, third-person linear horror game might not be best suited to Xbox Game Pass. Furthermore, he also believes that open-world and “repetitive multiplayer games” are best suited for the subscription model and not single player games that might be played once.

The Callisto Protocol isn’t coming to Game Pass, yet

You play through once [in The Callisto Protocol]. I think those services are built towards some of the open-world style and repetitive multiplayer games,” said James. I think games [like that] survive well on that service.

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To be fair to Mark James, it might be easy to take his words out of context. I think he’s not saying that single player games can’t thrive on Xbox Game Pass, because plenty has.

Reading in between the lines, I think Striking Distance Studios are well aware of the hype surrounding The Callisto Protocol, a game that might only be played once by some. Perhaps going the Xbox Game Pass route might not be the best business decision for a studio looking to make its mark with its debut release.

Microsoft has their own single-player games within the service, and I still think you’re going to see the platform holder studios provide single-player games in them; I’m just saying [that] as a financial model, it’s a difficult one to make work as an independent studio,” added James.

the callisto protocol
Credit: Striking Distance Studios

Will it come to Xbox Game Pass one day?

That being said, there’s still a chance that The Callisto Protocol might come to Xbox Game Pass one day. We just might have to wait several months for that to happen.

Were you hoping to see The Callisto Protocol launch on Xbox Game Pass? Let us know across our social media channels. 

The Callisto Protocol will be released for PC, PlayStation as well as Xbox on December 2nd, 2022.

While you’re here, be sure to check out our video of the week. 10 of the scariest horror games of all time are shown off. What is your favourite horror game?

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Featured Image Credit: Striking Distance Games/Source: TrueAchievements.com