Sons of the Forest, recently released in early access, earned huge amounts of attention in the run-up to its early access launch, primarily due to the success of its predecessor and the new changes that the title brought about. With that being said, the title has already fallen out of the overarching discourse of the gaming industry only a few months on from its release, and there are many factors of the title that seem like crucial missed opportunities.
Sons of the Forestcould easily pick up in terms of attention thanks to the engaging and impactful near-future content updates that it will receive, but there is one factor of the game in particular that could easily earn it much greater popularity. As it currently stands,Sons of the Forestis limited in terms of its list of platforms, and a release for the Xbox Game Pass service could greatly expand the game’s potential player base.
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The Availability of Sons of the Forest
Sons of the Forestreleased in early access in February 2023to heaps on anticipation. Its 2014 predecessorThe Forestdid well to establish the franchise as a competent and enjoyable addition to the survival horror genre. LikeThe Forest,Sons of the Forestprided itself on natural exploration through a richly sinister open-world, in which players must scavenge, craft, and kill to defend themselves against cannibalistic tribes of paranormal beings.
To build on its predecessor,Sons of the Forestintroduced new mechanics to the IP such as a seasonal weather cycle and AI companions, which has done well to endear the game to new and old fans alike. Both titles crucially foster multiplayer co-operative gameplay, withSons of the Forestboasting up to eight players in multiplayer co-op. However, as it stands,Sons of the Forestis only available on PC through Microsoft Windows, which may end up being a significant missed opportunity for the game unless developer Endnight Games shifts its plans.
Sons of the Forest and Xbox Game Pass
SinceSons of the Forestis already available on Microsoft Windows, Endnight Games and Newnight have already set themselves up to negotiate a Game Pass release for the title. This could simply be aPC Game Pass release, but an even more ambitious move would be to eventually take the game to consoles to boost the scope of its playership even further.
Sons of the Forestcurrently has no plans to extend its platform availability beyond PC, yet the early-access nature of the game could easily see this change in the near future. Without something like a Game Pass release,Sons of the Forestruns the risk of being relegated to a much smaller catchment of players across the industry. However, with the game’s already established connections with Microsoft and the great focus on multiplayer within the title, aGame Pass release forSons of the Forestwould crucially allow the game to appeal to its strongest mechanics.
Sons of the Forestis available now in early access for PC.
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