Sun Jan 11 20:50:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Surprise PC Game Pass Release: ‘Quarantine Zone: The Last Check’ Arrives

The Story:
In a surprise announcement, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass revealed that “Quarantine Zone: The Last Check” from Brigada Games and Devolver Digital will be available on PC Game Pass starting January 12, 2026. The game, a strategy title set amidst a zombie outbreak, tasks players with managing a quarantine checkpoint and making critical decisions regarding who enters and exits. The unexpected release breaks the assumed schedule of Game Pass subscribers, who anticipated waiting until later in the month for new day-one titles.

However, the game is launching exclusively on PC, disappointing Xbox console users. This exclusivity highlights a potential shift, or at least a temporary focus, on expanding the PC Game Pass library.

Key Points:

  • “Quarantine Zone: The Last Check” will be a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass for PC on January 12, 2026.
  • The game is developed by Brigada Games and published by Devolver Digital.
  • It is a strategy game centered around managing a quarantine zone during a zombie outbreak.
  • The game is a PC-only release, not available on Xbox consoles at launch.
  • A free demo of “Quarantine Zone: The Last Check” is available on Steam.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft is willing to surprise subscribers with unexpected Game Pass releases, potentially as a strategy to maintain subscriber engagement.
  • The PC-only release could indicate a strategic push to bolster the PC Game Pass offerings, or simply reflect the developer’s initial platform focus.
  • The involvement of Devolver Digital, a well-known indie publisher, lends credibility to the title, although expectations should remain tempered given their typical output.
  • The surprise launch demonstrates the dynamic nature of the Game Pass library and the potential for unexpected value additions.
  • Studios and Publishers are paying attention to the Game Pass and recognize it as a good place to launch their new games.

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