No Game Pass for MLB The Show 25 – Breaking a Year

For baseball fans on Xbox, the annual release of MLB The Show has always been a highlight. Since its debut on Xbox platforms in 2021, the franchise had consistent inclusion in Xbox Game Pass from day one, providing fans unparalleled accessibility. Please visit https://www.u4gm.com/mlb-the-show-25-stubs. However, this tradition was abruptly broken with the 2025 iteration. MLB The Show 25, released on March 18, is the first in four years to not be included on Game Pass at launch. This decision marks a notable turning point in the series’ distribution strategy.

The news came as a surprise to many. For years, Game Pass subscribers on Xbox enjoyed the convenience of accessing the latest baseball simulation without additional cost. Fans had grown accustomed to launching the game as part of their subscription and diving right into Road to the Show, Diamond Dynasty, and other modes. Now, for the first time since the series expanded to Xbox, players must pay full price to access the newest entry.

Why did Sony and MLB choose this path? Official information is scarce. Industry analysts suggest that shifting the title off subscription access is likely a move to boost direct sales, a tactic common among annual sports franchises. By pulling the game from Game Pass, the hope is that more players will purchase the Standard Edition, priced near seventy dollars, or consider higher‑tier Deluxe or Collector’s Editions for added content or early access.

The impact on the fan base has been immediate. Many long‑time players expressed frustration or indifference, stating that the decision removes the low‑risk convenience Game Pass provided. Others voiced a resigned understanding—after all, the Show franchise, while beloved, is often seen as a refreshed roster and updated features every year. Fans expecting a full overhaul may feel differently about paying for incremental improvements.

However, there are still paths to early access. Those who purchased the Digital Deluxe Edition were granted early access beginning March 14, four days ahead of the full launch. For dedicated fans, this offered an exciting head start. Yet, for casual or budget-conscious players, the absence of Game Pass poses a real hurdle.

While MLB The Show 24 remained available on Game Pass through late March, many expected it to be removed shortly before or after the release of the new title. The transition signals a clear break in how the series will be accessed moving forward, at least for the foreseeable future.

What does this mean for Game Pass subscribers and the series’ future? In the short term, Xbox fans will need to purchase the game outright. Some anticipate that The Show 25 may eventually return to Game Pass several months post-launch, as is sometimes the case with other sports titles. However, for 2025 there is no plan for inclusion in subscription services like Game Pass—or PlayStation Plus—citing the industry decision to exclude it entirely for the year.

Ultimately, this marks the end of an era of easy access for MLB fans on Xbox. Whether the move proves successful for Sony remains to be seen. If sales numbers remain strong, the strategy may become a new norm. But if player engagement drops off, or fans resist purchasing each year, Sony might reevaluate. For now, 2025 is the first year in the franchise’s Xbox lifespan that fans must open their wallets rather than rely on their Game Pass subscription.