- Xbox seems to be hesitant about bringing Call of Duty to Game Pass despite past hints.
- The gaming giant does not want to sacrifice this IP’s revenue through a subscription launch.
- Xbox is also contemplating another price hike for the Game Pass Ultimate.
Microsoft managed to close the most significant merger in the history of gaming last year. Many celebrated this deal in anticipation of Call of Duty on Game Pass since the gaming giant often releases its first-party titles on the service.
Leaks have also pointed to an announcement on the matter arriving in June, but it seems Microsoft’s plans are being changed. According to new reports, Xbox is uncertain about releasing Call of Duty on Game Pass.
Why it matters: This is yet another instance that highlights Microsoft’s lack of definitive planning.
Tom Warren of The Verge has revealed that Microsoft had debates about releasing Call of Duty on the subscription. He also reveals that the gaming giant is considering another price hike.
Warren is one of the trusted industry insiders as he has a track record of being accurate, especially when it comes to Microsoft, making this report credible. However, Xbox seems to be undecided on the matter.
According to Warren, the internal debate has been going on for a while, and the main concern is that the revenue this franchise makes would be undermined by Game Pass.
It seems Microsoft is aggressively cutting costs as it attempts to aim for more profits. This could be one reason it feels uncomfortable putting Call of Duty on the service since this move would sacrifice millions of annual sales.
Many fans were excited about the old and future titles from the series appearing on the service, but it seems like it may be best to keep expectations in check.
Xbox’s decision does not seem too out of line. This series, even at its worst, made millions in no time, proving its worth as a live-service giant. A day one Game Pass launch could fundamentally shift this dynamic, potentially harming the series in the long run.
Still, we expect the older games to arrive on Game Pass. Xbox will likely struggle with deciding whether day one is the right way to go for newer titles, but the gaming giant has backed itself into a corner with a universal policy for its first-party lineup.
After what Xbox has done to some of the fan-favorite studios, fans are already not too happy. Breaking another promise could be seen as yet another breach of trust, further damaging this brand’s reputation.
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[News Reporter]
Obaid is pursuing a Law degree, while working as a content writer. He has worked as a gaming writer for over a year because of his passion for the medium and reporting the latest updates in the industry. Having played hundreds of games, Obaid finds himself coming back to Elden Ring and Red Dead Redemption 2, with these games being among his favorites. He has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as Wccftech, Metro UK, PS Lifestyle, GamePressure, VGC, and Gamespot.
