Recent reports from anonymous sources suggest that the next installment of the popular Call Of Duty series will be available on Xbox Game Pass on its release day. This move is in line with Microsoft’s strategy of offering all first-party games on Game Pass. While this has been the norm for Microsoft titles, there were doubts about whether the same approach would be taken with the first Call Of Duty game since Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the upcoming plans for Call Of Duty on Game Pass are set to be officially announced at the next Xbox showcase. Citing “people familiar with the matter,” the article outlines Microsoft’s intentions to bring the highly anticipated game to their subscription service. Despite reaching out for comment, a Microsoft spokeswoman declined to offer any official statement on the matter.
The speculation around Call Of Duty’s arrival on Game Pass stems from the impact such a move could have on the game’s sales. Historically, Call Of Duty has been a top seller year after year, with even less well-received titles like Modern Warfare 3 managing to secure high sales numbers. However, releasing a game on Game Pass has been known to reduce the number of individual purchases, as gamers opt for the subscription service instead.
It comes as no surprise that Microsoft would want to bring Call Of Duty to Game Pass, given the company’s strong emphasis on the subscription service. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion was seen as a strategic move to bolster Game Pass subscriptions and drive growth in the gaming division. For Microsoft, the success of Call Of Duty on Game Pass is crucial to reinvigorating the service and attracting more subscribers.
The potential inclusion of Call Of Duty on Game Pass has broader implications for the gaming industry as a whole. Microsoft’s Xbox Showcase, scheduled for June 9th, will likely shed more light on the company’s plans for the future of gaming. With the closure of studios like Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks, attributed to stagnant Game Pass numbers, the stakes are high for Microsoft to deliver a compelling lineup of content to attract and retain players.
The upcoming arrival of Call Of Duty on Xbox Game Pass signals a significant shift in Microsoft’s gaming strategy. By bringing such a high-profile title to the subscription service, Microsoft is doubling down on its commitment to Game Pass and setting the stage for a new era of gaming experiences. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this move shapes the future of gaming and subscription-based services.
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