Xbox Game Pass pleasantly surprises its subscribers by quietly introducing Dead Island 2 to its game lineup, catching many off guard as there was no official announcement from Microsoft or Deep Silver. This unexpected move echoes a similar surprise when Tales of Arise was also stealthily added to the service earlier in the month.
Developed by Dambuster Studios, Dead Island 2 made its debut in April 2023, garnering positive reviews on various platforms. The game quickly became Deep Silver's top-selling title, hitting the million-copy mark within a mere three days and reaching two million copies by May.
For those who haven't experienced the thrill of playing one of the best co-op zombie games available today, Xbox Game Pass now offers the chance with the sudden inclusion of Dead Island 2 on February 22. Notably, the game seems to be exclusively available on Xbox Game Pass and not on PC Game Pass at this time.
The circumstances surrounding the addition of Dead Island 2 to the subscription service remain unclear. Xbox Game Pass had announced six upcoming games through the end of February and into March, and Dead Island 2 was not on that list. Among the upcoming releases, Maneater and Indivisible are making a return to the Game Pass library after being removed, while Madden NFL 24 will now be accessible through Xbox Cloud Gaming in addition to Xbox Game Pass.
Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Titles for February 2024
- Maneater - Console, PC, Cloud - February 27
- Madden NFL 24 (EA Play) - Cloud - February 27
- Indivisible - Console, PC, Cloud - February 28
- Space Engineers - Console, PC, Cloud - February 29
Aside from Dead Island 2, Xbox Game Pass has expanded its library with Inkulinati and Bluey: The Videogame on February 22. Inkulinati, initially in early access on the platform since January 31, saw the full version release on the same day. This strategic game, inspired by medieval art, offers a more challenging gameplay experience. Bluey: The Videogame, a sandbox title released in November 2023, brings the beloved children's cartoon characters to life in a new interactive adventure.
For gamers seeking an action-packed experience, Dead Island 2 provides intense gameplay. With options for solo play or online co-op for up to three players, the first-person RPG is set in a zombie-infested Los Angeles, 14 years after the events of the original game. As the city remains under quarantine, six survivors must navigate the dangers on the other side of the barrier.