Microsoft is set to bring the next installment of Call of Duty to Xbox Game Pass. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, Microsoft will make this announcement at the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase on June 9. This move aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing strategy to enhance the value of its subscription service.
The inclusion of Call of Duty in Game Pass marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s game distribution strategy. Historically, Activision sold Call of Duty games at a premium price, typically around $70. The decision to offer the game on Game Pass from day one could potentially attract more subscribers to the service.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to Debut on Game Pass
The next Call of Duty game, rumored to be titled Black Ops 6, will launch directly on Game Pass. This follows recent comments by Xbox President Sarah Bond, who confirmed that all new games from Microsoft’s studios, including those from Activision Blizzard, would be available on Game Pass at launch. This move could significantly boost Game Pass subscriptions, which have grown from 25 million in January 2022 to 34 million in February 2024.
Despite the potential for Game Pass to cannibalize traditional game sales, Microsoft remains committed to this strategy. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has acknowledged these concerns but believes that the benefits of increased Game Pass subscriptions outweigh the risks. Additionally, Microsoft plans to continue selling Call of Duty games at full price on other platforms, including PlayStation and PC.
Boosting Game Pass Value
By adding high-profile games like Call of Duty to Game Pass, Microsoft aims to enhance the service’s value proposition. This strategy could attract a broader audience and strengthen Game Pass’s position in the competitive gaming market. Furthermore, Microsoft is rumored to be preparing the entire Call of Duty back catalog for Game Pass, providing even more value to subscribers.
