Atomfall surpasses two million players on Game Pass and Rebellion in the future

The video game Atomfall debuted with resounding success on the Xbox Game Pass service, reaching two million players since its launch in March. The title, developed by Rebellion, a studio known for the Sniper Elite series, became one of the most talked-about releases of the year in terms of games available through subscription.

This milestone has sparked a relevant debate in the industry about the  viability of subscription models and how they can benefit medium-sized studios compared to large publishers.

A risky move, but backed by Microsoft

In recent statements,  Jason Kingsley, CEO of Rebellion, explained that launching Atomfall on Game Pass involved certain risks, mainly due to the potential cannibalization of traditional sales. However, he highlighted that Microsoft's financial support was decisive.

"Having guaranteed income relieved much of our financial pressure," Kingsley explained.

The agreement allowed the studio to maintain economic stability during the game's development and launch, something crucial for companies that don't handle budgets as large as the big publishers.

Success in visibility and community expansion

Set in an alternative post-nuclear United Kingdom, Atomfall managed to capture the attention of millions of players thanks to its direct arrival on Game Pass.  The immediate exposure allowed for the creation of an active community, not only among the service's subscribers but also outside of it.

Kingsley stated that Game Pass works as an excellent testing tool for players. If they like the title, many recommend it or even purchase it outside the platform, further expanding its reach.

Rebellion plans to expand the Atomfall franchise

Given the positive reception, Rebellion is already considering expanding the Atomfall universe. While there are no official announcements about a sequel, Kingsley acknowledged that the studio is evaluating that possibility.

Additionally, he revealed that two-thirds of the studio's future projects will be continuations of existing franchises, while the rest will focus on new intellectual properties. This balance between innovation and continuity would be sustainable thanks to the Game Pass model, which allows them to take creative risks without compromising their finances.

"Game Pass levels the playing field and allows us to continue innovating for our audience," Kingsley summarized.

With these results, Rebellion positions itself as an exemplary case of adaptation to disruptive models, and Atomfall establishes itself as a turning point in the path of the British studio.