Rebellion, the developer behind Atomfall, confirms its British survival hit became profitable immediately after release—despite approximately 2 million players accessing it through Xbox Game Pass rather than purchasing outright.
The studio hasn't disclosed exact sales figures for Atomfall since its March 27, 2025 launch across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. However, they emphasize this marks their largest playerbase debut ever—a milestone undoubtedly boosted by Game Pass availability.
The Game Pass model hasn't hindered profitability. Rebellion told The Game Business that their post-apocalyptic England simulator recouped development costs swiftly. The studio is now exploring sequel opportunities while continuing post-launch support plans.
Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley explained how Game Pass inclusion prevented potential sales erosion. Microsoft's minimum revenue guarantees help mitigate risk regardless of individual purchase numbers.
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Kingsley noted Game Pass serves as a powerful discovery tool: "When players enjoy titles via subscription, they organically drive buzz—some recommending purchases to non-subscribers who want to join the experience."
While Microsoft keeps financial terms confidential, Atomfall clearly benefits both parties—attracting subscribers for Microsoft while delivering profitability for Rebellion despite the alternative revenue model.
The last official Xbox Game Pass count reached 34 million subscribers in February 2024. As IGN's review noted: "Atomfall brilliantly blends Fallout's atmosphere with Elden Ring's challenge into a distinctive survival experience."
