How does Microsoft select Games with Gold?

I think that no one here knows. maybe the sales department if you have an insider.

My guess is a collaboration between publishers/developers and Xbox - so for example say I have a sequel coming out that I want to drive interest in I may approach Xbox about potentially putting a previous title in the GWG program to drive interest in the
forthcoming title.

Or for many of us it's purely the case of seeing which games we own and those ones go into it - I jest of course!

Perhaps it's down to Microsoft asking publishers or Developers? Sadly we just don't know, I don't think we ever will less Microsoft divulge that information with us in the future.

Very interesting question to consider however.

Interesting question, but one that I believe may remain a mystery to us all!

It's not just names from a hat I'm sure. There are probably meetings with developers where Microsoft works with them to decide which game a developer approves for the program. I'm sure some developers who approve see it as an opportunity to make sales on
DLC if they have some.

Other games are included because a new game from the developer or a new game in the franchise is being released. There has been a couple titles that were GWG at launch from ID @ Xbox. These two types of releases to the program were more promotional than
anything.

Other games are just based on the season (like Friday the 13th this month). Like the others have said the we wouldn't know for sure. All speculation.