Xbox Game Pass replacing a big Xbox Series X download in January

Microsoft is starting the year by making a statement regarding the kind of games you can expect to be added to the Xbox Game Pass.

Coming out the gates with something special, the tech giant has teamed up with Ubisoft to launch Rainbow Six Extraction on Xbox One and Xbox Series X via the subscription service.

This means that if you own a console and have Xbox Game Pass, you can start playing Extraction on January 20.

Another nice bonus being thrown in is targeting existing Rainbow Six Siege players on consoles.

Gamers who play both Siege and Extraction will unlock the epic gear included in the United Front Bundle, adding another excellent reward for using the Pass.

There are also reports that Ubisoft could be ready to combine its own subscription service with Game Pass on Xbox consoles; however, these remain unconfirmed and should be taken with a pinch of salt.

What we do know is that Ubisoft+ will be available to use on Xbox consoles, although the service has not been given a launch date yet.

“By making Rainbow Six Extraction available to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass members on the day and date of its launch via Xbox Game Pass, we’re demonstrating that we believe in the value and choice that game subscriptions offer to players,” said Chris Early, Ubisoft’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development.

“Rainbow Six Extraction for Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass members is just the beginning. Ultimately, we will offer the Ubisoft+ subscription service to Xbox owners so that they can enjoy the full extent of our Ubisoft+ game library, including new releases, on their consoles.”

And Sarah Bond, Corporate Vice President, Game Creator Experience and Ecosystem at Xbox, added: “With Rainbow Six Extraction, Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass members are getting another blockbuster added to their library on the same day the title launches,”

“And because Rainbow Six Siege will be on both Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass as well, the Rainbow Six community and fans of tactical shooters will have plenty to look forward to playing together, no matter where they play.”

And it’s also good news for existing Xbox Game Pass subscribers, as some other high profile games are about to leave the service.

Confirmed by Microsoft earlier this month, Kingdom Hearts III will be disappearing from Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles on January 15, alongside these other titles:

• Desperados III (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Ghost of a Tale (PC)
• Mount & Blade: Warband (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Pandemic (Console and PC)
• Yiik: A Postmodern RPG (PC)

Lastly, PUBG: Battlegrounds will be leaving the Xbox Game Pass library on January 10 and will become free-to-play starting January 12.