According to Everspace 2 developer Rockfish Games, Xbox Game Pass has been really beneficial in the development of the game.

　　In a freshly-published interview on the official Xbox Wire, the studio's CEO, Michael Schade, talked about the development of Everspace 2 and how the sequel made a great shift compared to the original Everspace. At the end of the interview, Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft's Independent and Digital games publishing program, ID@XBOX, were also mentioned. As explained in the interview by Schade, Everspace 2 has turned out better because of Xbox Game Pass.

　　“Ironically, not only is it good for Xbox and PC users, but it’s also good for players on other platforms: everyone gets a better game because of Xbox Game Pass,” the CEO said. “The extra funding helps us stay independent, and we can deliver the game when we think it’s ready – and it is.”

　　This isn't the first time that Rockfish has been openly positive about Microsoft's gaming subscription service. Earlier this year, Micheal Schade also talked about the funding of Everspace 2, and how Xbox Game Pass actually boosted the sales of the game (on PC).

　　Interestingly, various sources have claimed that Game Pass cannibalizes game sales. In fact, Microsoft recently admitted that the service does indeed negatively impact sales, despite saying otherwise earlier. "Microsoft also submitted that its internal analysis shows a [redacted] percent decline in base game sales twelve months following their addition on Game Pass.", a provisional report from the CMA about the heavily-debated Microsoft Activision-Blizzard deal reads.

　　Everspace 2 is available now on PC and Xbox Series X|S. As said, the game is also available via Xbox Game Pass.

　　What are your thoughts on the benefits of Xbox Game Pass for smaller studios? Do larger titles also benefit from Microsoft's service? Hit the comments below but remember to play nicely.