8 Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass in May, Microsoft Confirms

Microsoft has announced that eight games will be removed from Xbox Game Pass in mid-May. Players have until May 15 to enjoy these titles before they disappear from the subscription service.

The departing games include several notable indie titles:

1. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

2. Dune: Spice Wars

3. Hauntii

4. Jurassic World Evolution 2

5. Chants of Sennaar

6. Little Kitty, Big City

7. The Big Con

8. Planet of Lana

While none of these are major blockbuster releases, several have gained popularity among gaming enthusiasts.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a 2013 adventure game developed by Starbreeze Studios, renowned for its emotional storytelling and innovative gameplay. Set in a fantasy world, it follows two brothers on a quest to find the "Water of Life" to save their ailing father. The game’s unique mechanic involves controlling each brother simultaneously with separate thumbsticks, emphasizing their cooperation to solve puzzles and navigate dangers. Its dialogue-free narrative, stunning visuals, and poignant ending have earned it critical acclaim, with over 800,000 units sold by 2015.

Dune: Spice Wars is a 4X real-time strategy game set in Frank Herbert’s iconic Dune universe, released in 2023. Developed by Shiro Games, it immerses players in the harsh desert planet of Arrakis, where factions vie for control of the valuable spice resource. Combining resource management, diplomacy, and combat, the game challenges players to balance economic and military strategies. Its deep connection to the Dune lore and strategic complexity make it a standout for fans of the franchise and strategy enthusiasts.

Hauntii is an indie adventure game launched in 2024, featuring a curious ghost named Hauntii exploring the ethereal world of Eternity. Developed by Moonloop Games, it blends puzzle-solving, exploration, and light combat with a distinctive monochromatic art style. It was a day-one Xbox Game Pass title in May 2024.

Jurassic World Evolution 2 is a 2021 management simulation game by Frontier Developments, building on the Jurassic Park franchise. Players design and manage dinosaur theme parks, creating enclosures, researching species, and ensuring guest safety. Released on Game Pass in May 2022, it offers a robust campaign, sandbox mode, and tie-ins to the Jurassic World films.

Chants of Sennaar is a 2023 puzzle adventure game by Rundisk, inspired by the myth of the Tower of Babel. Players control a traveler deciphering fictional languages to connect isolated tribes in a visually striking, stylized world. The gameplay blends linguistic puzzles, stealth, and exploration, earning an 86 Metascore and recognition at the 2023 Tribeca Festival. It was joined Game Pass last May.

Little Kitty, Big City is a charming indie adventure game released last May, as a day-one Game Pass title. Developed by Double Dagger Studio, it casts players as a curious kitten lost in a vibrant city, tasked with finding their way home. The open-ended exploration, light puzzles, and interactions with other animals create a wholesome, accessible experience. Its playful tone and short campaign have made it a fan favorite, especially for younger players or those seeking a cozy game.

The Big Con is a 2021 comedic adventure game by Mighty Yell, steeped in a vibrant ‘90s aesthetic. Players control Ali, a teenage con artist, pulling off scams to save her family’s video store. The game mixes stealth, dialogue-driven choices, and light puzzles, with a retro vibe and moral undertones.

Planet of Lana is a 2023 cinematic platformer developed by Wishfully Studios, drawing inspiration from games like Inside. Players guide Lana and her feline companion through a visually stunning alien world, solving puzzles and evading dangers in a narrative-driven adventure. Its emotional storytelling, lush hand-painted art, and atmospheric score have earned critical praise.

This rotation of games is part of Microsoft's regular update cycle for Xbox Game Pass. The service has already welcomed some fresh additions this month. On May 1, subscribers gained access to both "Anno 1800" and "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II."

Additionally, the acclaimed fishing adventure game "Dredge" will join the service on May 6 for Xbox Series consoles, PC, and Cloud gaming.