Mixtape hits pause: the musical coming‑of‑age game now arriving on Xbox Game Pass in 2026

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The highly anticipated game Mixtape has been delayed until 2026, as announced by its developer, Beethoven & Dinosaur. They playfully explained the delay, saying the game is nearly finished – they’re just adding the final touches. To share their feelings about the postponement, the team created a fun playlist of songs about patience, including tracks like Guns N’ Roses’ “Patience” and The Supremes’ “You Can’t Hurry Love.”

First revealed in 2024 and published by Annapurna Interactive, Mixtape is a unique coming-of-age story about a group of friends. The game centers around a memorable final night together before one friend moves across the country to pursue her dream job. Players will experience relatable teenage moments like first kisses, skateboarding, and even a bit of trouble with the police, all set to a fantastic soundtrack featuring artists like DEVO, Roxy Music, and The Smashing Pumpkins.

Good news for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers: Mixtape will be available to play on day one!

Developers, please take your time

I got a chance to play a 30-minute demo of Mixtape at Summer Game Fest 2025, and it immediately became one of my most anticipated games. The gameplay is constantly changing, keeping things fresh and preventing any one element from becoming tiresome – which is perfect for a game centered around creating the ideal playlist.

The creative director, Johnny Galvatron, originally said the game would be released within the next year (from June 2025), so the recent delay isn’t entirely unexpected, especially since it’s now mid-November.

If the demo is anything to go by, the developers are creating something truly special, and it’s worth the extra time they’re taking to polish it.

I hope we’ll learn the official release date for Mixtape soon. I’m really looking forward to playing it whenever it comes out.

2026 looks packed for Xbox Game Pass

The postponement of Mixtape means 2026 is shaping up to be a great year for Xbox Game Pass, with exciting third-party games like *There Are No Ghosts at the Grand* planned. Xbox’s own studios are also preparing a strong lineup, including *Fable* and *Forza Horizon 5* from Playground Games, *Gears of War: E-Day* from The Coalition, and a revamped *Halo* experience from Halo Studios, among other titles.

FAQ

What is Mixtape?

Mixtape is a charming story about growing up, told through music and unusual gameplay. It’s created by Beethoven & Dinosaur, the team known for their game, *The Artful Escape*, and combines short, story-driven scenes with music and dreamlike moments.

Why was Mixtape delayed?

The developers said they’re in the final stages of development, just adding the finishing touches to the game. To playfully acknowledge a slight delay, they even shared a playlist of songs about patience, including Guns N’ Roses’ “Patience.”

When will Mixtape release?

It’s now slated for 2026, with no exact date yet.

What platforms will it be on?

The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC (through Steam and the Xbox app), and PlayStation 5. It will also be included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from the very beginning.

What makes Mixtape unique?

This film follows three friends on a memorable final night together. Expect a mix of sweet and clumsy moments – like first kisses – alongside more adventurous escapades, including skateboarding, grabbing fast food, and a run-in with the police. The whole night unfolds with a killer soundtrack featuring bands like DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, and The Smashing Pumpkins.

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2025-11-12 01:39