In a pivotal update for gaming enthusiasts, Xbox President Sarah Bond confirmed that Microsoft will continue to include its own games, alongside titles from Activision such as Call of Duty, on Xbox Game Pass. This announcement resolves the uncertainty that had been looming over the future of the subscription service, particularly concerning the inclusion of new Call of Duty games.
Xbox Game Pass And The Impact Of Microsoft’s Acquisition Of Activision Blizzard
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, completed in late 2023, significantly heightened anticipation among fans regarding the possible inclusion of the Call of Duty series on Xbox Game Pass. The addition of Diablo 4 in March marked a milestone as the first game from Activision Blizzard to be featured on the service. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer had previously affirmed ongoing efforts to integrate Call of Duty into the Game Pass lineup. Nonetheless, the subsequent closure of several Bethesda studios stirred concerns about potential adjustments in Game Pass pricing and the continuity of Call of Duty releases on the platform.
Addressing these concerns in a recent interview with Bloomberg, Sarah Bond explicitly stated that all Xbox first-party titles, including those from Activision, will launch on Game Pass from day one. This declaration provides considerable relief to Game Pass subscribers looking forward to new installments of Call of Duty. However, Bond did not comment on possible price adjustments for the service or confirm the debut of Call of Duty Black Ops: Gulf War on Game Pass.
The announcement also teased the addition of “some really big games” to the Game Pass roster later this year. Xbox’s 2024 lineup, set to premiere on Game Pass, includes notable first-party titles such as Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. The upcoming Xbox Games Showcase on June 9 is expected to provide further details on these releases and potentially share more about the availability of Gulf War on Game Pass.
This series of updates comes at a crucial time for Xbox, which has faced several challenges recently. The reaffirmation of Microsoft’s commitment to Game Pass and the inclusion of both Activision titles and the Call of Duty series represent significant positive developments for the platform.
Leveraging Call Of Duty In Xbox Game Pass And Shaping Microsoft’s Gaming Future
Furthermore, reports indicate that an announcement regarding the addition of Call of Duty’s back catalog to Xbox Game Pass may be forthcoming, potentially aligning with the June 9 showcase event. The strategic inclusion of Activision titles, particularly Call of Duty, within the Xbox Game Pass library is not merely a boon for subscribers but also a smart business move by Microsoft. It leverages the massive fan base of Call of Duty, ensuring sustained interest and potentially increasing subscription numbers. Moreover, it reassures investors and stakeholders of Microsoft’s commitment to enriching its gaming portfolio and enhancing value for its Game Pass subscribers.
Looking forward, as Microsoft continues to expand its gaming ecosystem, the integration of high-profile Activision titles into Xbox Game Pass is likely to play a pivotal role in defining the service’s value proposition. This could set a new standard in the gaming subscription landscape, emphasizing the importance of robust game libraries that appeal to a diverse audience.
As the June showcase approaches, the gaming community will be keenly watching for more announcements from Microsoft that could further impact the gaming industry and subscription services. Meanwhile, Xbox Game Pass subscribers have much to look forward to with the promise of new and exciting titles, including the legendary Call of Duty series, becoming readily available on their preferred gaming platform.
More must-reads: