Fact Check: Is MK1 on Game Pass?

Is MK1 on Game Pass?

The claim under investigation is whether "Mortal Kombat 1" (MK1) is available on Xbox Game Pass. This question arises amid the game's recent release and the ongoing popularity of subscription gaming services, which often include new titles as part of their offerings.

What We Know

Current Availability: As of now, "Mortal Kombat 1" is not included in the Xbox Game Pass library. According to multiple sources, including The Loadout, the game was made available for a limited time in March 2024 for Game Pass Core and Ultimate subscribers, but it is not currently part of the subscription service [5].
Official Game Store Listings: The official Xbox store confirms that "Mortal Kombat 1" can be purchased directly, but it does not list the game as part of the Game Pass offerings at this time [3][7].
Future Possibilities: While there is speculation about whether "Mortal Kombat 1" might eventually be added to Game Pass, no official announcements have been made regarding future availability [2].
Game Features: The game is described as a next-generation entry in the Mortal Kombat franchise, featuring advanced graphics and gameplay mechanics, which may influence its inclusion in subscription services in the future [1][5].

Analysis

The reliability of the sources varies, and it's important to critically assess each one:

Charlie Intel and Dexerto are gaming news outlets that often report on industry trends and game releases. They provide a balanced view of the current situation regarding "Mortal Kombat 1" and its availability on Game Pass, but they do not cite direct sources or official statements from Xbox or the game's developers [1][2]. This could indicate a reliance on industry speculation rather than confirmed information.
The Loadout provides a clear statement that "Mortal Kombat 1" is not currently on Game Pass, which aligns with information from other sources. However, it is essential to note that they also mention the game's temporary availability in March 2024, which could lead to confusion about its current status [5].
The official Xbox store and Mortal Kombat's official FAQ provide definitive information regarding the game's purchase options and subscription requirements, making them highly reliable sources for confirming the game's current status [3][4][8]. However, they do not speculate on future availability, which leaves a gap in understanding potential changes.
The Mortal Kombat FAQ does not directly address Game Pass availability but clarifies subscription requirements for online play, which may indirectly inform users about the game's accessibility [4].

Conflicts of Interest

While the sources generally do not exhibit overt bias, it is essential to consider that gaming news outlets may have an interest in driving traffic through speculation and updates about popular games. This could lead to sensationalized claims or a focus on potential future developments rather than current facts.

Methodological Considerations

The lack of direct quotes from official Xbox representatives or game developers in the articles raises questions about the methodology behind the claims. Future information from Xbox or the game's publishers regarding Game Pass availability would be beneficial to provide a clearer picture of the game's status.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "Mortal Kombat 1" is available on Xbox Game Pass is false. Current evidence indicates that the game is not part of the Game Pass library at this time. While it was temporarily available for subscribers in March 2024, it has since been removed from the service. The official Xbox store confirms that the game can only be purchased directly, and there have been no official announcements regarding its future inclusion in Game Pass.

It is important to note that while speculation exists about the potential for "Mortal Kombat 1" to be added to Game Pass in the future, such possibilities remain unconfirmed. The lack of direct statements from Xbox or the game's developers regarding future availability highlights a limitation in the available evidence. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and stay updated through official channels for any changes regarding game availability.