Report: Call of Duty 2024 Could Lead to Price Increase for Xbox Game Pass

by Frank McDougall
in News, PC, Playstation, Release, XBOX
on 22 May 2024

According to recent reports, the upcoming release of the new Call of Duty installment is generating significant anticipation within the gaming community. This year, the renowned series will be under the ownership of Microsoft following their acquisition of Activision and Blizzard. Rumors are circulating that the game may possibly launch on Xbox Game Pass on its very first day, leading to speculations of a price increase for the gaming subscription service.

At this time, there have been no official previews or glimpses of the new Call of Duty installment, which is rumored to take place during the Gulf War. However, there are expectations that it will be showcased during the Xbox summer showcase in June, with a potential reveal before the end of May. Leaked information suggests a release date in late-October, with pre-order bonuses indicating possible early access incentives for players.

Although the new Call of Duty game will also be available for purchase on PlayStation, the Xbox community is particularly excited about the possibility of its immediate availability on Game Pass. However, it is important to note that the excitement surrounding this opportunity comes with concerns of a price hike.

Previous reports revealed Microsoft’s plan to bring Call of Duty 2024 Black Ops 6 to Xbox Game Pass, as indicated by the Wall Street Journal. This decision may have significant consequences, including the potential for a price increase. Microsoft is weighing the revenue implications of offering Call of Duty on their subscription service, as this popular franchise has traditionally generated substantial revenue for Activision Blizzard.

The Verge reported that Microsoft is currently considering multiple strategies to mitigate the anticipated loss in revenue. One option they have explored is increasing the price of their Game Pass Ultimate subscription tier. While no final decision has been made, internal discussions and debates have taken place on the matter.

Additionally, industry insiders have confirmed that changes are indeed forthcoming, both in terms of pricing and potentially the introduction of a new tier within the Game Pass subscription service. The aim of these changes is to offer new benefits and incentives to subscribers, enhancing the value proposition of Xbox Game Pass.

While an increase in price is not unexpected in such circumstances, it is crucial that any hikes remain reasonable. Furthermore, if a new tier is introduced, its benefits must be compelling enough to differentiate it from the existing Game Pass Ultimate tier. Currently, Game Pass Ultimate costs £12.99 per month, while the PC version of Game Pass is priced at £7.99 per month.

For more information on leaks and rumors surrounding Call of Duty 2024, be sure to check out our dedicated hub which covers all the latest updates on the game.

– Call of Duty 2024 is rumored to take place during the Gulf War.
– The game may be showcased during the Xbox summer showcase in June.
– Leaked information suggests a release date in late-October, with possible early access incentives for players.
– Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision and Blizzard means that Call of Duty will be under their ownership.
– Microsoft is currently considering strategies to mitigate the potential loss in revenue from offering Call of Duty on Game Pass.
– One option being explored is increasing the price of the Game Pass Ultimate subscription tier.
– Changes to pricing and potentially the introduction of a new tier within the Game Pass subscription service are expected.
– The aim of these changes is to offer new benefits and incentives to subscribers and enhance the value proposition of Xbox Game Pass.

Important Questions:
1. What is the rumored setting for Call of Duty 2024?
2. When and where will the game likely be showcased?
3. What are the potential early access incentives for players?
4. How will Microsoft’s ownership of Call of Duty impact its availability on various platforms?
5. How is Microsoft planning to mitigate the potential loss in revenue from offering Call of Duty on Game Pass?
6. What changes are expected in terms of pricing and subscription tiers for Game Pass?

Key Challenges/Controversies:
1. The potential price increase for Xbox Game Pass due to the addition of Call of Duty 2024.
2. Ensuring that any price hikes remain reasonable for subscribers.
3. Differentiating a new subscription tier, if introduced, from the existing Game Pass Ultimate tier in terms of benefits and value.

Advantages:
1. Immediate availability of the new Call of Duty game on Xbox Game Pass.
2. Potential benefits and incentives for subscribers with the introduction of a new tier.

Disadvantages:
1. Speculation of a price increase for Xbox Game Pass.
2. Uncertainty surrounding the specific changes to pricing and subscription tiers.
3. Potential backlash from subscribers if the value proposition of Game Pass is not enhanced.