Microsoft has been aggressive when it comes to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, doing everything possible to position it as a must-have for Android, PC, and Xbox gamers. April 2021 has seen Microsoft make some of its boldest moves to date when it comes to Xbox Game Pass, and that trend is continuing with the latest announcement. In April 2021, Microsoft is bringing Grand Theft Auto 5 back to Xbox Game Pass, along with one of the games featured as part of the free PS Plus games for April 2021.
Starting Thursday, April 8, Xbox Game Pass subscribers on cloud and console can play Grand Theft Auto 5, while those on cloud, console, and PC can play Zombie Army 4: Dead War. GTA 5 being one of the most successful games of all time makes this a huge "get" for Game Pass, but Zombie Army 4's inclusion is a big deal as well. Zombie Army 4: Dead War is one of the free PS Plus games for April 2021, so this can be seen as a direct blow from Microsoft to Sony.
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Adding Zombie Army 4: Dead War to Xbox Game Pass isn't the only way Microsoft is going after Sony this month. Later in April, PlayStation-developed MLB The Show 21 will be coming to Game Pass, hitting the service for both cloud and consoles on April 20. Another notable game is dropping on April 12 when NHL 21 is added for EA Play and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.
Meanwhile, there are some other Xbox Game Pass additions in the month of April that subscribers will want to take note of. April 8 will see Disneyland Adventures and Rush: A Disney/Pixar Adventure added to the cloud. ID at Xbox games Pathway and Rain on Your Parade will also be coming to Game Pass, both hitting the service on April 15. Pathway will be for Xbox Game Pass subscribers on PC, whereas Rain on Your Parade will be available for PC, cloud, and consoles.
The Xbox Game Pass additions for April 2021 are very impressive, particularly Grand Theft Auto 5 and Zombie Army 4: Dead War, with the latter impressive not so much for the quality of the game, but because it undercuts PS Plus. While its Xbox Live Gold free games lineup may have fallen by the wayside, Microsoft is investing all it can in Game Pass and being as competitive as possible, which is proving to be quite good for gamers so far.
While April 2021 is seeing more games added to the Xbox Game Pass lineup, it will also see some games leaving the service as well. The games leaving Xbox Game Pass on April 15 include Deliver Us the Moon, Gato Roboto, and Wargroove, so anyone interested in those games should make it a point to play them while they still can.
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