In recent years, Xbox Game Pass has become a dominant force in the gaming industry, offering subscribers access to a large and constantly evolving library of games. With Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, speculation and excitement have grown regarding the arrival of the Call of Duty franchise on Xbox Game Pass. This development marks a significant moment not just for fans of the series but also for the future of game subscriptions. Players who have long purchased Call of Duty titles annually now wonder whether they’ll be included as part of their Game Pass subscription. The prospect of playing popular first-person shooter games like Modern Warfare, Black Ops, and Warzone through Xbox Game Pass is changing the way people view ownership and access in gaming.
What Is Xbox Game Pass?
A Subscription-Based Service
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service offered by Microsoft that provides access to a wide selection of games for a monthly fee. Available on Xbox consoles and PC, it allows players to download and play hundreds of games across genres. The service includes day-one access to many first-party Microsoft titles and has expanded to include cloud gaming as well, making it easier to access games without needing a powerful system.
Different Tiers of Game Pass
There are currently three tiers of Xbox Game Pass:
- Game Pass for Console Access to Game Pass games on Xbox consoles.
- Game Pass for PC Access to the Game Pass library on Windows PCs.
- Game Pass Ultimate Combines both console and PC access with Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Live Gold benefits.
This model has been praised for its flexibility and value, especially as it continues to grow its library with high-profile games.
The Microsoft and Activision Blizzard Merger
What It Means for Call of Duty
In one of the most significant deals in gaming history, Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, the publisher behind franchises like Call of Duty, Overwatch, and Diablo. This merger immediately sparked interest in the future availability of Activision titles on Game Pass. Call of Duty, being one of the most lucrative and widely recognized first-person shooter series, is at the center of these discussions.
Microsoft’s strategy with Game Pass has always been about offering value and accessibility. Given that, it makes sense that they would want to include Call of Duty titles in the subscription service to attract even more users. As of now, some Call of Duty games are expected to be added to the Game Pass library, particularly older titles, with new releases possibly arriving on day one in the future.
Which Call of Duty Titles Might Come to Game Pass?
Expected Games
Although Microsoft hasn’t confirmed the full list of Call of Duty games coming to Game Pass, speculation suggests that many past titles will eventually be added. These may include:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- Call of Duty: Vanguard
- Call of Duty: WWII
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III and IV
Classic titles such as the original Modern Warfare trilogy and early Black Ops entries are also possible candidates. These games continue to have strong fan followings and would add significant value to Game Pass.
Future Day-One Releases
One of the biggest potential benefits for subscribers is the possibility that future Call of Duty games may launch directly into Game Pass on day one. This move would align with Microsoft’s strategy of offering new first-party titles as part of the subscription service. If implemented, it would allow players to enjoy the latest entries without paying the standard $60-$70 retail price.
Benefits of Call of Duty on Game Pass
Lower Cost of Entry
For gamers on a budget, the inclusion of Call of Duty in Game Pass significantly lowers the cost of playing the latest releases. Instead of purchasing each game individually, players can subscribe to the service and access a wide library, including premium titles.
Boosted Multiplayer Communities
One of the core appeals of Call of Duty is its multiplayer modes. With access through Game Pass, more players can jump into online matches, increasing player counts and matchmaking speed. This has the potential to keep older games alive longer and improve the overall multiplayer experience.
Cross-Platform Play and Cloud Gaming
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, which supports playing Call of Duty titles on mobile devices or low-end PCs. Combined with cross-platform play, this means users can take their Call of Duty experience anywhere without being limited by hardware.
Challenges and Considerations
Licensing and Marketing Deals
Although Microsoft owns the rights to Call of Duty, existing marketing agreements with other platforms, such as PlayStation, could delay or limit certain releases on Game Pass. These contracts may restrict new entries from arriving on Xbox Game Pass immediately, especially in the case of timed exclusivity deals.
Monetization Strategies
Call of Duty titles often include microtransactions, battle passes, and downloadable content (DLC). Game Pass access to the base game may not include all of these extras, meaning players might still need to make additional purchases to access full content. Microsoft will need to balance the value of the subscription with monetization models that are common in modern shooters.
File Size and Storage Concerns
Call of Duty games are known for their large file sizes, sometimes exceeding 100 GB. Game Pass users will need to manage their storage space accordingly, especially on consoles with limited internal memory. However, cloud gaming can help alleviate this issue for those with strong internet connections.
Impact on the Gaming Landscape
Competitive Advantage for Xbox
The addition of Call of Duty to Xbox Game Pass would provide a major competitive advantage for Microsoft in the ongoing console wars. It could sway gamers who were previously loyal to other platforms and give Xbox a significant edge in terms of perceived value.
Shifting Expectations of Ownership
With major titles like Call of Duty becoming part of a subscription model, the traditional idea of buying and owning individual games is evolving. Many gamers are now comfortable paying monthly to access an entire library, which could shape the future of game development, publishing, and delivery.
The inclusion of Call of Duty on Xbox Game Pass has the potential to transform both the service and the gaming community. From bringing in new subscribers to enhancing the multiplayer ecosystem, this move would be a win for Xbox and fans of the series alike. While some challenges remain such as licensing, monetization, and file sizes the overall benefits of making Call of Duty titles available through Game Pass outweigh the drawbacks. As Microsoft continues to integrate Activision Blizzard into its gaming empire, players can look forward to a more accessible and cost-effective way to enjoy one of the world’s most iconic first-person shooter franchises.