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Donut County's Xbox Game Pass Departure: Evolving Service

Last Updated: November 11, 2025

Donut County gameplay on Xbox Game Pass showing a hole swallowing objects.

Xbox Game Pass is a paradox for subscribers: a vast, ever-growing library of games is always at their fingertips. But the dynamic nature of this all-you-can-play service means that as new titles arrive, others must inevitably depart. A perfect example of a quirky, memorable title that completed its tour of duty is the charming puzzle game, Donut County. While the game is no longer available through the subscription, its journey on Game Pass is a masterclass in how the service operates and why it's crucial to dive into interesting titles before they're gone.

Donut County officially departed from Xbox Game Pass on January 31, 2023. This removal, like countless others before and since, is a standard part of the subscription model, as licensing agreements for third-party games have finite durations. For players who enjoyed its unique premise during its time on the service, or for those who missed out, it remains a standout example of indie creativity that was amplified by the platform.

What is Donut County? A Hole Lot of Fun

Developed by Ben Esposito and published by the acclaimed Annapurna Interactive, Donut County is a delightful physics-based puzzle game that first launched in 2018. It quickly earned praise for its distinctive art style, witty dialogue, and an incredibly satisfying and simple gameplay loop.

The premise is brilliant: you control a hole in the ground. By moving the hole, you swallow objects, starting with small pebbles and blades of grass and eventually consuming entire buildings, cars, and mountains. The more you swallow, the larger the hole becomes, allowing you to consume even bigger items. This core mechanic is wrapped in a charming and humorous narrative, delivering a powerful sense of progression and cathartic destruction.

  • Unique Gameplay: Control a growing hole in the ground, swallowing everything in sight to increase its size.
  • Charming Narrative: Follow the story of BK, a mischievous raccoon, and his friends as they deal with the consequences of his hole-digging antics.
  • Distinctive Art Style: Features a vibrant, minimalist aesthetic that perfectly complements its quirky, laid-back tone.
  • Physics-Based Puzzles: Each level presents new environmental challenges and objects to strategically consume.
  • Humorous Dialogue: Filled with witty banter, clever jokes, and relatable character interactions.

The game's lasting appeal lies in its ability to take a simple concept and execute it with immense polish and personality. It’s a relaxing yet engaging experience, making it an ideal title for short play sessions or a complete playthrough in a single afternoon.

The Evolving Landscape of Xbox Game Pass

Donut County's departure highlights the fundamental truth of Xbox Game Pass: its library is in constant rotation. Microsoft's subscription service has become a cornerstone of the modern gaming industry, but it is far from static. The service of today looks significantly different from the one Donut County joined.

A major strategic overhaul began in September 2023, when the long-standing Xbox Live Gold was retired and replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core. This new entry-level tier shifted the focus from free monthly games to providing online multiplayer alongside a curated, static library of over 25 high-quality titles.

This was just the beginning. In 2024, Microsoft announced the most significant restructuring of the service to date, rolling out a new tier system designed to offer more flexibility and choice. These changes reflect the rising costs of development and content acquisition while aiming to attract a wider range of players at different price points.

The current tiers of Xbox Game Pass are:

  • Xbox Game Pass Core: The essential tier for online console multiplayer, which also includes access to a focused catalog of celebrated games like Forza Horizon 4 and Gears 5.
  • Xbox Game Pass Standard: A new, crucial tier that grants access to the full hundreds-of-games library on console. However, in a major policy shift, this tier does not include new first-party titles from Xbox Game Studios on day one.
  • PC Game Pass: The dedicated offering for PC players, providing access to hundreds of PC titles and an EA Play membership.
  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: The all-inclusive premium package. This remains the top-tier offering, combining everything from Core and PC Game Pass, an EA Play membership, cloud gaming capabilities, and the signature perk of day-one access to all new first-party games.

This updated structure underscores Microsoft's strategy to evolve Game Pass from a one-size-fits-all model into a more nuanced service, ensuring it remains competitive while creating sustainable value.

Why Games Leave Game Pass and What It Means for You

The departure of games like Donut County is a natural and necessary part of the Game Pass ecosystem. Publishers and developers license their games to Microsoft for a set period. Once an agreement expires, the game is removed from the service. This cycle ensures a fresh rotation of titles, keeping the catalog exciting and encouraging players to discover new experiences.

For players, this dynamic creates a light, but real, sense of urgency. If a game on your backlog is on Game Pass, it’s wise to prioritize playing it, as there's no guarantee it will remain indefinitely. Microsoft provides ample notice, featuring a "Leaving Soon" category in the Game Pass app that typically gives subscribers at least two weeks' notice. This window allows you to finish a playthrough or, if you love the game, purchase it to own forever—usually at a discount for subscribers.

The story of Donut County on Game Pass is a reminder of the transient beauty of subscription services. While it's no longer "free" with a membership, its time on the platform was a fantastic opportunity for millions to discover an indie gem they might have otherwise overlooked.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xbox Game Pass

Q: How do I know which games are leaving Xbox Game Pass?

A: Microsoft announces games leaving the service in advance, usually two weeks before their departure date. You can find this list in the "Leaving Soon" section within the Xbox Game Pass app on your console, PC, or mobile device.

Q: Can I still play a game after it leaves Xbox Game Pass if I downloaded it?

A: No. Once a game is removed from the Game Pass library, your license to play it through the subscription is revoked. To continue playing, you must purchase the game digitally or physically.

Q: Are games gone forever once they leave Game Pass?

A: Not necessarily. While most games don't return after leaving, it's not impossible. More importantly, the game remains available for purchase on the Microsoft Store and other digital storefronts.

Q: Do I get a discount if I want to buy a game that's leaving Game Pass?

A: Yes. Xbox Game Pass subscribers are entitled to a discount (typically 20%) on any game in the current library. This discount applies until the day the game is removed from the service, allowing you to buy it and keep it permanently for a lower price.

Q: Why do games leave Xbox Game Pass?

A: Games are removed from Xbox Game Pass primarily because the licensing agreement between Microsoft and the game's publisher has expired. These are timed contracts, and once they conclude, the game cycles out of the subscription catalog to make way for new titles.