Recent reports from anonymous sources suggest that the next Call of Duty game will be available on Game Pass on its release day. This move would align with Microsoft’s ongoing strategy of including all of their first-party games on Game Pass. However, there were initial doubts regarding whether this would apply to Call of Duty, especially after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision for $69 billion.
According to the Wall Street Journal (paywalled), individuals familiar with the situation have indicated that an official announcement regarding this decision will be made during the upcoming Xbox showcase. When approached for comment, a Microsoft spokeswoman declined to provide any information. This revelation has sparked interest and speculation within the gaming community.
Historically, Call of Duty has been a top-selling game each year, with even less positively received titles like Modern Warfare 3 securing high sales figures. Some industry experts have expressed concerns that offering Call of Duty on Game Pass could lessen the number of players willing to purchase the game outright. Microsoft’s overarching strategy appears to hinge significantly on the success and growth of Game Pass.
It is no secret that Microsoft has been pushing Game Pass as a central component of their gaming ecosystem. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard was widely seen as a move to reinvigorate Game Pass subscriptions after a period of stagnation. For Microsoft to fully realize the benefits of their investment, titles like Call of Duty must join the Game Pass library. This mirrors the inclusion of Diablo 4 earlier this year.
The recent closure of studios like Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks, both acquired by Microsoft in the Bethesda deal, has been attributed to sluggish Game Pass growth. This development underscores the importance of securing high-profile titles for the subscription service. Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox Showcase on June 9th, coinciding with the traditional E3 timeframe, is expected to shed more light on their plans for Game Pass and future game releases.