This Xbox Game Has Finally Released After 13 Years (And It’s Available on Game Pass)

by

Game announcements happen in different ways. Some games are released right away, while others are shown off years before they come out. But sometimes, like with Hollow Knight: Silksong, the wait can be incredibly long. Fans have been anticipating this game for almost 13 years, and now it’s finally available! Plus, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can even play it at no extra cost, as it’s available on the service from day one.

The game Routine was originally announced in 2012, but it took thirteen years to finally come out. For longtime fans, its release feels incredibly strange and exciting. After years of difficulties, including team changes, complete overhauls, and the evolution of gaming consoles, the project is now finished, beautifully refined, and available to play immediately on Game Pass. It’s unusual for a game with such a troubled past to launch so successfully, and even more surprising for it to feel fresh and modern after being shelved for so long. But Routine manages to do just that, demonstrating that a good idea can still shine, even after years of development.

Routine’s 13 Year Journey to Release

The game Routine has had an unusually long and troubled development. First announced in 2012, it aimed to be a scary, immersive experience set on a lunar base, with a visual style inspired by 1980s technology. This concept felt innovative even before games like Alien: Isolation and Signalis demonstrated a strong interest in retro-futuristic sci-fi horror. However, after an exciting initial announcement, progress slowed, delays piled up, and the project seemed to be forgotten.

For years, people wondered if the game, Routine, had been abandoned. Rumors flew about cancellation, the team falling apart, and whether it would ever see the light of day. But the game wasn’t actually canceled – it was just changing and growing. Development took much longer than planned due to team adjustments, funding difficulties, and the desire to meet fans’ increasing expectations. Things really turned around when publisher Raw Fury came on board, providing the support needed to revamp and update the game.

Originally a small, independent horror idea, Routine has blossomed into a complete game built for today’s computers and consoles. After thirteen years of development and a long period with no updates, it’s now available to players on Xbox and PC – and it’s even more impressive than anticipated. It’s rare for a game to overcome such a challenging development process, let alone improve along the way, making Routine a truly exceptional success story.

Routine Is a Haunting, Atmospheric Mystery Worth the Wait

With the release of Routine, many are wondering if it lives up to the anticipation built over years of development. The answer is a resounding yes. It’s already receiving “Very Positive” reviews on Steam, indicating a strong start. Routine doesn’t attempt to copy other games in the genre; instead, it focuses on the elements that originally made it so intriguing: a feeling of loneliness, helplessness, and the unsettling fear of broken machines in the darkness.

The game takes place in a deserted lunar research station, creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere. Players will navigate tight, dark corridors filled with the eerie glow of old computer screens and a deafening silence. Unlike many games, Routine doesn’t rely on weapons, fast-paced action, or sudden shocks. Instead, it builds tension through suspense, making every noise and shadow feel threatening. The gameplay focuses on exploring and surviving, drawing inspiration from games like Alien: Isolation and Metroid Prime.

The game takes place on a moon base where you must investigate the vanishing crew. You’ll need to avoid malfunctioning security robots while solving puzzles with limited resources and older technology. All this happens while dealing with the increasing stress of being completely alone. The game’s unique look and feel – a blend of retro and futuristic styles – adds to the suspense and makes the experience even more immersive.

What really sets Routine apart is how subtle it is. It avoids lengthy explanations, excessive scripted events, and flashy displays that would break your focus. The game is slow-paced, carefully crafted, and creates a strong sense of atmosphere. Considering it was in development for over ten years, Routine feels surprisingly well-connected, intentionally simple, and wonderfully reminiscent of older games.

How Routine Could Influence the Next Generation of Horror Games

2025 has been a fantastic year for horror games, with standout titles like Cronos: The New Dawn, Silent Hill f, and now Routine, each offering a different style of gameplay. Routine is particularly interesting because it focuses on older, analog technology – something most modern games avoid. This retro-futuristic style isn’t just how the game looks; it actually impacts how you play. Exploring a lunar base with broken-down technology and limited resources creates a tense atmosphere that’s hard to find in typical high-tech sci-fi games.

The horror game Routine offers valuable lessons for future game development. It proves that focusing on atmosphere and simplicity can be incredibly effective, especially when many modern horror games prioritize spectacle. Beyond its gameplay, Routine‘s lengthy development is a positive example – showing that sticking to a clear creative vision, even through years of challenges, can ultimately result in a stronger, more polished final product than a rushed release.

The game’s popularity on Steam proves its appeal. Plus, its availability on Game Pass, where many players will try it at no extra cost, could encourage publishers to fund more unique, moderately-priced horror games. This is important because the horror genre often benefits from fresh ideas coming from smaller development teams. If Routine does well, it could lead to more immersive, suspenseful games that focus on building atmosphere and tension rather than relying on flashy effects.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

Read More

2025-12-04 23:42