August 17, 2025 – Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is celebrating a monumental achievement in 2025, adding its 100th new game to the service this year. And in a move signaling a significant commitment to the platform, this landmark addition is a major PC-exclusive title: the critically anticipated strategy epic, 9 Kings.
This milestone underscores Xbox's aggressive content strategy for Game Pass Ultimate in 2025, delivering a relentless pace of high-quality games across console, PC, and cloud. Reaching the 100th addition by mid-August sets a new benchmark for the subscription service.
Why PC Gamers Are Celebrating
The selection of 9 Kings as the 100th game is a masterstroke for PC gamers. Developed by the renowned strategy specialists at Obsidian Grove Studios, 9 Kings has been generating massive buzz for its deep, complex systems, stunning visuals tailored for high-end rigs, and intricate political simulation set in a sprawling, original fantasy universe. Early previews have drawn comparisons to genre-defining greats, praising its ambition and PC-first design philosophy.
"Choosing 9 Kings, a title built from the ground up for the depth and flexibility of PC gaming, as our 100th addition this year is incredibly special," said a Microsoft spokesperson in the official announcement preview. "It represents our dedication to bringing the most diverse and high-fidelity experiences to Game Pass members, especially those who game on PC."
Leaks, Lists, and Launch Details
Eagle-eyed fans tracking the service got an early hint thanks to databases like SteamDB, where the game's app listing (https://steamdb.info/app/2784470/) briefly showed connections to Xbox services before the official reveal. This fueled speculation that was soon confirmed.
According to the detailed preview on the official Xbox Wire blog (https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/08/13/9-kings-pc-game-pass-preview/), 9 Kings launches into Game Pass Ultimate on August 29th, 2025. PC Game Pass members and Ultimate subscribers will get day-one access at no extra cost.
What Makes "9 Kings" a Game Pass Ultimate Highlight?
The preview delves into the game's core:
- Grand Strategy Meets RPG: Rule one of nine distinct kingdoms, each with unique cultures, resources, and challenges. Make sweeping political decisions or dive into the personal stories of your courtiers.
- Unparalleled Depth: Manage intricate economies, complex diplomatic webs, dynamic trade routes, and large-scale warfare with real-time tactical battles.
- Stunning PC-First Visuals: Leverage powerful hardware with detailed unit models, vast battlefields, and breathtaking kingdom vistas. Optimizations for ultrawide monitors and high refresh rates are confirmed.
- Modding Support Planned: Obsidian Grove has announced robust modding tools will arrive post-launch, further extending the game's lifespan – a perfect fit for the PC Game Pass ecosystem.
A Milestone Reflecting Strategy
The addition of 9 Kings as the 100th title isn't just about the number; it's a statement. Placing a premium, PC-exclusive experience at this pivotal moment reinforces Microsoft's strategy for Game Pass Ultimate:
- Volume & Value: Delivering an unprecedented quantity of new games annually.
- Platform Diversity: Catering specifically to the unique demands and high expectations of the PC gaming audience.
- Day-One Blockbusters: Continuing the trend of launching major, desirable titles directly into the service.
- Cloud Inclusion: While PC-exclusive for now, Ultimate members can likely expect cloud streaming access via Xbox Cloud Gaming in the future.
"Game Pass Ultimate is about delivering incredible choice and value," the spokesperson added. "Hitting 100 games in August with a title as ambitious as 9 Kings shows we're just getting started. For PC players, this is a particularly exciting time."
Get Ready to Rule
Mark your calendars for August 29th. If you're an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member playing on PC, prepare to claim your throne in one of the nine kingdoms. The 100th game of 2025 is set to be one of its most defining.
Post a Comment