Call of Duty Rumored to Join Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is renowned for offering gamers access to top-notch titles on the day of their release. From Bethesda’s highly anticipated space RPG, Starfield, to the upcoming Indiana Jones game, Game Pass continuously delivers. Now, it seems that the subscription service is gearing up to bring one of the biggest FPS franchises to its players: Call of Duty.
According to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal, Microsoft is planning to bolster its extensive Xbox Game Pass library by including this year’s installment of Call of Duty. The tech giant, known for its multi-billion dollar gaming ventures, is considering a significant strategy shift. Instead of solely selling the game as a standalone product, Microsoft is allegedly looking to release the new Call of Duty game on its subscription service.
Confirmation of this move would greatly reduce the entry barrier for Call of Duty fans. Traditionally priced at a minimum of $70 on PS5 and Xbox platforms upon release, Call of Duty titles consistently rank among the best-selling games of the year. However, if the game becomes available on Game Pass for as little as $10.99 a month, players would have little reason to complain – assuming Microsoft maintains its current pricing structure.
Prior to the Microsoft-Activision merger, there were legal concerns surrounding the deal. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority expressed reservations about potential advantages Microsoft would gain over Sony, claiming it would create an unfair playing field. Nonetheless, it appears that the forthcoming Xbox Showcase will conclude with the announcement that Treyarch’s upcoming shooter, tentatively titled Black Ops 6, will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.
In other gaming news, Embark’s rival game-show FPS, The Finals, is gearing up for the debut of Season 3 at the Summer Game Fest. Additionally, the rumored Fall 2025 release window of GTA 6 could potentially see it going head-to-head with Call of Duty in the highly competitive gaming market.
Additional Facts:
– Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service offered by Microsoft for Xbox consoles and Windows 10 PCs. It provides access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee.
– Call of Duty is a popular first-person shooter franchise developed by various studios under Activision. It has a large and dedicated fan base worldwide.
– Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the parent company of Call of Duty, is expected to be finalized in 2023. This move will give Microsoft more control over the future of the franchise and its availability on platforms like Xbox Game Pass.
– Xbox Game Pass has been expanding its library by adding a multitude of games from various genres, including AAA titles, indie games, and even Bethesda titles after Microsoft’s acquisition of the company.
– The inclusion of Call of Duty on Xbox Game Pass could attract more players to the subscription service and potentially increase its subscriber base.
Important Questions and Answers:
1. How will the inclusion of Call of Duty on Xbox Game Pass benefit players?
– It will provide affordable access to the new Call of Duty game as part of the monthly subscription fee, reducing the upfront cost of purchasing the game separately.
– Players will have the opportunity to try out the game without committing to a full purchase, allowing them to decide if they want to continue playing or not.
2. Will the availability of Call of Duty on Xbox Game Pass affect its sales on other platforms?
– It is possible that some players may choose to play the game on Xbox Game Pass instead of purchasing it separately, which could impact the sales figures on other platforms.
– However, Call of Duty has a strong fan base across various platforms, and many players prefer owning physical or digital copies of the game, so it may not have a significant impact on sales overall.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
1. The Microsoft-Activision merger has raised concerns about potential monopolistic practices and anti-competitive behavior.
– The Competition and Markets Authority in the UK has expressed reservations about the merger, particularly regarding the advantage Microsoft would gain over Sony in the gaming market.
– The impact of the merger on the gaming industry and the rights of consumers is a topic of discussion and scrutiny.
Advantages:
– Players can access the new Call of Duty game as part of their Xbox Game Pass subscription, reducing the upfront cost of the game.
– Xbox Game Pass offers a wide selection of games, including AAA titles, indie games, and previous entries in the Call of Duty franchise.
Disadvantages:
– Players who prefer owning physical or digital copies of games may still need to purchase the game separately if they want to own it permanently.
– The availability of Call of Duty on Xbox Game Pass may affect the player base on other platforms and potentially impact the sales figures.
Suggested Related Links:
– Xbox Official Website
– Call of Duty Official Website
