Rethinking Call of Duty's Game Pass Status
Microsoft is reportedly considering the removal of this year's Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass as a day-one release. Windows Central's Jez Corden first shared this news, suggesting that discussions around the change have gained traction within the company.
The inclusion of Call of Duty as a day-one launch title on Game Pass was a key factor in Microsoft's recent decision to increase subscription prices. Earlier this week, new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged that the current pricing structure may be too steep for players.
Since Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company had added several Call of Duty games to Game Pass, aiming to leverage the franchise's popularity. However, the strategy has faced skepticism from some within the industry.
Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick consistently opposed putting Call of Duty into subscription services, believing it could undermine sales. This tension became more apparent following Microsoft’s acquisition, raising questions about how the new leadership would approach such contentious issues.
In a 2023 interview with IGN, former Xbox head Phil Spencer addressed the differing views between himself and Kotick, humorously noting, "Well, there's a different person making the decisions." This statement reflects a shift in strategy that might influence Call of Duty's future on Game Pass.
The potential withdrawal of Call of Duty from Game Pass could signal a significant change in how Microsoft plans to handle its subscription model moving forward. If the game does not launch on the service as expected, it may prompt players to reassess the value of their subscriptions.
Looking Ahead
As Microsoft navigates these strategic decisions, players will be keenly watching how this impacts the upcoming Call of Duty title. Will the franchise's presence on Game Pass be deemed essential for boosting player engagement, or will Microsoft prioritize traditional sales instead? Only time will reveal the direction the company takes.