Microsoft Gaming CEO Confirms Arrival of Call of Duty on Xbox Game Pass

by Frank McDougall
in Action, News, PC, Playstation, Release, XBOX
on 17 May 2024

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has confirmed that Activision Blizzard games will be joining the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. While the official announcement is set to be made next month during the Xbox showcase where the new Call of Duty game will be introduced, the decision to bring the hugely popular franchise to Game Pass signifies Microsoft’s commitment to expanding its subscription-based platform.

Call of Duty, a first-person shooter franchise that has captivated gamers since its inception in 2003, played a significant role in Microsoft’s pursuit of acquiring Activision Blizzard for a staggering $69 billion. With its eyes set on a subscription-based future, Microsoft aims to utilize Activision Blizzard’s IP portfolio to boost the Game Pass service, with potential plans to extend it to other platforms beyond Xbox and PC.

While other third-party gaming companies remain hesitant to fully embrace cloud-based gaming, Microsoft is eager to incorporate Activision Blizzard’s games as a promotional tool for Game Pass. The Wall Street Journal reports that the announcement of Call of Duty’s arrival on Game Pass will happen during the June showcase.

As of October 2023, the Call of Duty franchise has sold over 425 million units worldwide. In addition to its sales success, Activision Blizzard earns substantial revenue through in-game stores and microtransactions. The upcoming installment in the series is scheduled for release in October this year and will introduce a new setting, shifting from World War III to the 1990s Gulf War.

One of the concerns raised regarding the Activision Blizzard acquisition was the potential exclusivity of Call of Duty on PC and Xbox. While a 10-year agreement with Sony’s PlayStation ensures the game’s presence on that platform, Microsoft has the freedom to release it as a day-one title on Xbox Game Pass, a move that could disrupt the traditional business model of Activision.

Microsoft’s plans for Xbox will be revealed on June 9, which includes the announcement of a new Gears of War game, along with updates on Flight Simulator 2024, Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, among other highly anticipated titles. The Call of Duty series will have its own dedicated broadcast following the main Xbox showcase, leaving fans excited for more details on how the franchise will integrate with Game Pass.

Additional facts not mentioned in the article:
– Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service offered by Microsoft that provides unlimited access to a library of games.
– Activision Blizzard is a leading video game publisher known for popular franchises such as Call of Duty, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft.
– Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is one of the largest deals in the gaming industry.
– Game Pass is available on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and can be streamed on mobile devices through Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud).
– Activision Blizzard has a history of exclusive partnerships with Sony’s PlayStation, such as timed exclusive content and marketing deals.

Key questions and answers:
1. Is Call of Duty coming to Xbox Game Pass?
– Yes, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has confirmed that Call of Duty will be joining Xbox Game Pass.

2. When will the official announcement be made?
– The official announcement is set to be made during the Xbox showcase in June.

3. Will the Game Pass service be expanded to other platforms?
– Microsoft has expressed interest in expanding Game Pass beyond Xbox and PC, but specific plans have not been revealed.

4. Will Call of Duty be exclusive to Xbox and PC?
– While the game will be available on Xbox Game Pass, Call of Duty has a 10-year agreement with Sony’s PlayStation, ensuring its presence on that platform as well.

Key challenges and controversies:
1. Disrupting the traditional business model: Releasing Call of Duty as a day-one title on Game Pass could challenge the traditional model of selling games individually, as players would have unlimited access through their subscription.

2. Potential impact on Sony’s PlayStation: With Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the inclusion of Call of Duty on Game Pass, Sony’s PlayStation may face increased competition from Xbox in terms of exclusive content and player base.

Advantages:
1. Increased value for Game Pass subscribers: The addition of Call of Duty to Game Pass enhances the library of games available and provides more value to subscribers.

2. Potentially reaching a wider audience: By incorporating Activision Blizzard’s games into Game Pass, Microsoft aims to attract more players to its subscription service, expanding its user base.

Disadvantages:
1. Possible negative impact on game sales: If more players opt for Game Pass instead of purchasing individual copies of Call of Duty, it could affect the game’s sales figures.