Xbox Game Pass Set to Remove Popular Titles Including Yakuza Games

REDMOND, Wash. — Xbox Game Pass subscribers will soon lose access to several popular titles, including Yakuza 3 and Yakuza 4 remastered versions, which are slated for removal at the end of February 2025. This shift means players aiming to experience the early Yakuza series in chronological order will need to seek alternative options.

Microsoft’s subscription service regularly refreshes its game offerings, with games being cycled out approximately every two weeks. The most recent updates to the content catalog occurred on January 31 and February 15, which saw the removal of multiple other titles alongside the Yakuza games.

In total, eight games are set to leave Xbox Game Pass by the end of the month. These include critically acclaimed titles such as GRIS, Maneater, PAW Patrol World, and Space Engineers. This departure is part of a routine update from Microsoft, which emphasizes the transient nature of the subscription model.

The Yakuza titles, having been available since January 2021, hold a special place in the hearts of gamers. “It’s a blow to see them leave the service,” said a longtime Yakuza fan. “Completing the series in chronological order is part of the experience.”

After the removals take effect on February 28, remaining Yakuza titles on Xbox Game Pass will include Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza 5 Remastered, Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon, known as Yakuza 7. The absence of the Yakuza 5 Remastered from the list of removed games remains unclear.

As part of the upcoming changes, Microsoft is anticipated to announce further departures alongside the new additions to the service during a scheduled event on February 18. According to previous rotations, this information may include even more titles departing than has been currently revealed.

Notably, gamers have voiced their concerns about these removals, especially with the new Yakuza title, Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza, launching on February 20. The dread of missing out on earlier story arcs in the Yakuza series has sparked discussion among the community. “With the new game coming, it’s disheartening to lose access to the lore-heavy predecessors,” a user lamented on social media.

Despite the loss of these beloved titles, there is a silver lining for subscribers. The highly anticipated RPG, Avowed, is scheduled for a day-one release on February 18, rekindling excitement in the gaming community. Subscribers are hoping that new titles will compensate for the recent departures.

For those looking to finish their playthroughs of the soon-to-be-removed games, they encourage players to act quickly, as many games can require considerable time investment to complete. With the current notice, gamers still have a limited window to experience these titles before they exit the platform, especially those with shorter completion times such as GRIS, which typically takes about 3-4 hours.