Atomfall, the latest action-survival title from Rebellion Developments, has taken the gaming world by storm. Released on March 27 across PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, the game made an immediate impact—thanks in large part to its day-one debut on Xbox Game Pass. Just weeks after launch, Atomfall has surpassed two million players, marking the most successful launch in the studio's 32-year history.
Game Pass Launch Brings Unprecedented Reach
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley reflected on the studio's bold release strategy and praised Microsoft’s support. He called the Game Pass launch a "huge success" for both parties.
“Microsoft has been a fantastic partner to work with,” Kingsley said. “They brought their skills and their scale to bear on our small project, and it's done really, really well for them. So they got a good deal, and we got a good deal out of it as well.”
By launching on Game Pass, Atomfall gained exposure to millions of subscribers, accelerating its word-of-mouth momentum and improving discoverability—a major challenge for any new intellectual property (IP).
A Win-Win for Developers and Players
Kingsley highlighted that players are far more willing to try a new IP when it's available through a subscription model. The game’s presence on Game Pass enabled immediate access, leading to organic growth via social media and online communities.
“With Game Pass, you can get people to try it. Then, as a result, they like it and tell their friends: ‘I found this game on Game Pass, it’s really good, you should try it too.’ That kind of viral sharing is invaluable,” he added.
Importantly, this buzz doesn’t just benefit Game Pass players. Some who heard about Atomfall from friends opted to purchase the game outright, even without a Game Pass subscription—boosting direct sales.
Game Pass Guaranteed Financial Stability
Although releasing on a subscription platform may appear risky to some, Kingsley noted that it actually provided a financial safety net for the studio. The guaranteed revenue from Microsoft helped Atomfall reach profitability quickly.
“Sure, we might lose a few Xbox sales,” he admitted. “But the gain from the Game Pass deal is disproportionate—it’s worth it.”
This financial stability enabled the studio to surpass its mid-range sales expectations, making the launch a standout success.
A Post-Apocalyptic World Inspired by Real Events
Atomfall is set in an alternate-history, post-apocalyptic version of North England, inspired by the Windscale nuclear disaster of the 1950s. The game blends atmospheric survival mechanics with deep lore and intense action, drawing comparisons to Fallout but carving out its own identity.
Players explore a hauntingly beautiful world filled with mutated creatures, government secrets, and surviving factions, offering a rich narrative experience layered with moral choices and resource management.
Critical Acclaim and Player Engagement
Just days after launch, Rebellion confirmed Atomfall had reached 1.5 million players in its opening weekend. That momentum continued, crossing the two million mark within a few weeks. While that number includes Game Pass users, Kingsley confirmed that direct sales have also exceeded expectations.
Is an Atomfall Sequel on the Horizon?
Following the overwhelming success, Kingsley hinted that a sequel or continuation of the Atomfall universe could be in the cards.
“Now it looks like we want to do more Atomfall. It's been successful—can we find the resources to do it? I don't know,” he said. “But we’re definitely exploring the possibilities.”
As the studio weighs its next steps, the possibility of an Atomfall sequel is already generating excitement among fans.
Rebellion's Future: A Shift in Strategy
Known for the acclaimed Sniper Elite series, Rebellion is now seeing the value in investing in original IPs like Atomfall. The success of the title may reshape the company’s future roadmap and its approach to publishing games on subscription platforms.