As The Texas Chain Saw Massacre prepares to exit Xbox Game Pass on August 15, fans of the survival horror title might have something to look forward to. Gun Media, the developer behind the game, has hinted that a return to the subscription service is not off the table. In a statement to GameSpot, Wes Keltner, CEO, designer, and director at Gun Media, expressed gratitude to both players and Microsoft for the game’s success, leaving the door open for a possible future reappearance on Game Pass.

The Success of a Survival Horror Hit

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, based on the iconic horror film, follows an asymmetrical gameplay style akin to Dead by Daylight. Players can choose to either escape as a survivor or hunt down others as the killer, creating a tense and thrilling gaming experience. The game was a hit upon its release, especially with its day-one availability on Game Pass, which helped it amass over four million players in its first month.

In 2023, James Troughton gave the game a strong 4/5 rating, highlighting the adrenaline-pumping survival mechanics and the game’s faithful homage to the horror genre. The game’s removal from Game Pass, therefore, is a disappointment for many fans who have enjoyed its gripping gameplay.

Game Pass: A Key to Success

Keltner acknowledged the critical role Game Pass played in the game’s early success. He praised the program for helping small teams like Gun Media push new genres into the spotlight. “Game Pass is a great program, especially for small teams like ours that are trying to push relatively new genres forward,” Keltner said. He emphasized how the service breaks down barriers, allowing players to explore games they might not have considered otherwise.

Keltner also noted that Game Pass encourages long-term player engagement. As players experience the game through the subscription service, many choose to purchase it even after it leaves the platform, thanks in part to the discounts offered by Xbox. This model has proven beneficial for both developers and players, fostering a strong player base that continues to grow even after the game’s initial exposure on Game Pass.

A Possible Return to Game Pass?

While The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is set to leave Game Pass soon, Keltner did not rule out a potential return. “We’ve enjoyed our time within the Game Pass ecosystem and who knows, maybe we’ll enter back into it again in the future,” he hinted. The game’s popularity on the service and its receipt of the Xbox Excellence Award could bode well for its return, according to Keltner.

This isn’t without precedent; several games, including titles from the Yakuza series, have left and later returned to Game Pass. While such occurrences are rare, they do happen, and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre could be the next to make a comeback.

Final Thoughts

While it’s disappointing to see The Texas Chain Saw Massacre leave Game Pass, the possibility of a future return keeps hope alive for fans. The game’s success on the platform has shown the value of Game Pass for both players and developers, offering a way to experience new games that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether or not the game returns, Gun Media has clearly established The Texas Chain Saw Massacre as a standout in the survival horror genre, and fans will undoubtedly be eager for whatever comes next.

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