It will be back
[Update:Today, April 4, Remedy provided an update confirming thatQuantum Breakwill return to Game Pass. “It is being temporarily removed due to some licenses that expired that were in the process of being removed,” readstoday’s statement. “We will let you know as soon as it is back.”Our original story follows.]
Back in 2016 Remedy and Microsoft teamed up for a live action TV show/game hybrid starring Shawn Ashmore calledQuantum Break. It was a wild endeavor; and while it had plenty of flaws, even the most ardent detractors had to admit that it was unique. It’s alsouniquely leaving the Xbox Game Pass service soon, despite being published by Microsoft.
As a reminder,Quantum Breakwas indeed developed by Remedy Entertainment (the purveyors ofAlan Wake, Control,and more), and published by Microsoft. For nearly seven years running it’s been a console exclusive, only ever appearing on Xbox One and PC. It was also added to Xbox Game Pass in late 2018 (September 1), but it seems that was just temporary. If you look at the “leaving soon” section on your Xbox console, it’s listed there alongside of a small selection of other titles.
Why isQuantum Breakleaving Xbox Game Pass?
As many have pointed out,Quantum Breakseems like a licensing nightmare, even if kept within the “family” of Microsoft. There are multiple production studios involved in this, as well as direct likeness rights. Reminiscent of the timeForza Motorsport 7left Xbox Game Pass (and general sale), nothing lasts forever.
We’ve also reached out to Microsoft for clarification on the issue, and to see if the act of removal is possibly a mistake. We’ll update the article if we hear back.
