Highlights
- Microsoft has denied rumors that Octopath Traveler 2 will be available on Xbox Game Pass, ending the speculation before it gains momentum.
- The rumor started from an interview with Xbox VP Sarah Bond, where she discussed the release of another game on Xbox Game Pass but didn't mention Octopath Traveler 2.
- While it's unclear how the confusion arose, the announcement of Octopath Traveler 2 coming to Xbox consoles may have been mistakenly tied to Xbox Game Pass announcements.
Microsoft has spoiled hopes that the upcoming Xbox release of Octopath Traveler 2 will be a part of Xbox Game Pass. A rumor that the 2.5D title would be launching on Xbox Game Pass in 2024 started spreading Wednesday morning, though it was never formally announced. Microsoft has now decided to end the spread of the rumor before it picks up momentum. Octopath Traveler 2 is not confirmed for Xbox Game Pass at this time.
The rumor stems from an interview with Xbox VP Sarah Bond. Bond was asked in an official Xbox Wire Japan interview about both Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name and Octopath Traveler 2 coming to Xbox Game Pass, despite Octopath Traveler 2 having never been announced for the subscription service. Bond's response acknowledged the Yakuza game's Xbox Game Pass release but didn't mention Octopath Traveler 2. The conversation started rumors, nevertheless.
Hours after the interview with Sarah Bond was published by Xbox Wire Japan, Microsoft issued an official retraction. It removed all mention of Octopath Traveler 2 in relation to Xbox Game Pass and added an editor's note for clarity. While the language of the statement doesn't explicitly state Octopath Traveler 2 isn't coming to Xbox Game Pass, it's clear that any insinuation that it might be on Xbox Game Pass is either incorrect or was made too early.
As for how this confusing scenario came to be, it's likely related to the announcement that Octopath Traveler 2 is coming to Xbox consoles in 2024. Octopath Traveler 2 is currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch, but not on Xbox. It took years to bring the original Octopath Traveler to Xbox consoles, and while it won't take as long, Octopath Traveler 2's Xbox release is delayed as well. The news of Octopath Traveler 2's Xbox release may have been accidentally lumped into Xbox's Xbox Game Pass announcements.
Just because Microsoft can't announce that Octopath Traveler 2 is coming to Xbox Game Pass now doesn't mean that it won't happen in the future. Microsoft has made a concerted effort to grow its partnership with Square Enix going forward. How that fully manifests remains to be seen, but Xbox Game Pass would be all the better with more Square Enix games.
It's rare for Xbox to announce new Xbox Game Pass games too far in advance. Xbox Game Pass games planned past October are few and far between, and Octopath Traveler 2 isn't coming to Xbox until Q1 or Q2 in 2024. If RPG fans would like to see either Octopath Traveler or its sequel be a part of Xbox Game Pass, now's the time to tell Xbox that's what the subscription service needs.
Octopath Traveler 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, and Switch.
Source: Pure Xbox
