Xbox Game Pass promised millions of subscribers an “endless library” of games. But that dream was shaken by the news that the console exclusive Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl will leave the platform this November. This move disappointed many subscribers and raised questions about the true nature of Game Pass.

The Illusion of an Endless Library

Game Pass is not a purchase—it's a content rental service. When licensing agreements expire, games are removed from the library.

• Expectation: Players assumed that a major “console exclusive” like Stalker 2 would be a permanent fixture, just like Halo.

• Reality: Stalker 2 isn’t a first-party Xbox title; it’s a third-party game brought to the platform through a timed deal. Even its exclusive status doesn’t guarantee a permanent spot on Game Pass.

Player Frustration and Trust Issues

This departure was a harsh reminder for subscribers that you don’t “own” games on Game Pass—you’re simply renting access. Some disappointed users began to ask: “If even the biggest exclusives can leave, why keep my subscription?”

The only way for Xbox to prevent such backlash is by being more transparent about how long third-party games will remain on Game Pass and setting clear expectations from the start.

Game Pass still offers strong value, but the Stalker 2 situation has exposed a crack in subscribers’ trust in the service.