Microsoft has recently confirmed that Quantum Break, the time-freezing Xbox exclusive made by Remedy Games known for Alan Wake and Control, will be leaving Xbox Game Pass in April due to licensing issues. This news comes as a surprise to many fans of the game, as Quantum Break was published by Microsoft Studios itself. However, Microsoft clarified the situation in a recent interview with Xbox Dynasty, stating that the removal is due to licensing issues.
Despite this disappointing news, Microsoft has offered a ray of hope to fans of the sci-fi action-adventure game, or others who had kept it in their backlog and planned on playing it “eventually”. In the same interview, it was revealed that the team is working to bring Quantum Break back to Xbox Game Pass “as soon as possible.” Although negotiations are already underway, no agreements have been reached yet. And this is certainly not a confirmation.
Quantum Break May Not Be Leaving Game Pass Permanently
It is unclear with whom or for what these licenses are needed, but it may be because the game contains licensed music. Another Remedy Entertainment game, the original Alan Wake, also experienced licensing issues over its music and was subsequently removed from physical and digital storefronts in 2017. Quantum Break and Alan Wake share a composer, Petri Alanko, which offers one possible explanation.
Quantum Break was released in 2016 for PC and as an Xbox One console exclusive. Although it was predominantly highly reviewed by critics, it received less praise from players. However, the game certainly has its dedicated fan base, and many see it as a thematic precursor to Remedy’s Control, which was released three years later to nearly universal acclaim. Quantum Break found real success well after the game’s release when it became something of a cult classic. Anyone who was a fan of the late Lance Reddick should definitely give this game a shot.
Currently, the studio is working on sequels to Alan Wake and Control, but Shawn Ashmore, the actor who plays protagonist Jack Joyce in Quantum Break, has expressed an interest in reprising his role if Remedy ever considers making a follow-up.