The gaming community has been buzzing with questions about when Call of Duty (CoD) will be available on Xbox Game Pass. Phil Spencer, Xbox’s CEO, has previously mentioned that CoD titles will be included in the Game Pass if the Microsoft-AVBK acquisition is approved. This announcement has generated a lot of attention. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis covering legal milestones, speculated release dates, and the potential effects on both franchises.

The Role of the Microsoft-AVBK Agreement

A pivotal point was reached in July 2023 when the United States granted Microsoft the approval to proceed with the acquisition of Activision (AVBK). This acquisition, if finalized, will bring significant changes to the Call of Duty franchise. As it currently stands, only a few more approvals are needed to complete the acquisition.

Legal Obstacles: The Regulatory Hurdles Ahead

Even though Microsoft has secured approval from the United States’ Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there are still challenges to face. The acquisition has yet to get the green light from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This body has delayed the agreement due to concerns that Microsoft might establish a monopoly in the cloud gaming sector. Consequently, getting approval from the CMA represents a considerable obstacle for Microsoft.

Speculated Release Date: What Can We Expect?

Based on the history of third-party titles joining the Game Pass, the most optimistic date for CoD titles to make their appearance would be in 2024. Major third-party publishers often take up to two years after a game’s initial release before adding it to the Game Pass.

CoD Titles Likely to Be Added

To enrich the Game Pass catalog, it is probable that older CoD titles like Black Ops 3, Black Ops 4, and Modern Warfare 2019 will be included before 2024. However, based on industry precedents, recent releases from 2022 and 2023 are unlikely to be available until late 2024 at the earliest.

2024: A Crucial Year for the Deal and Game Pass Inclusion

Regulatory scrutiny is expected to intensify in 2024, a factor that may influence the timing for adding CoD to Game Pass. If the Microsoft-AVBK deal gains the remaining approvals, including that from the CMA, 2024 could mark the first instance of CoD being available on Game Pass.

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective on Expectations

The integration of Call of Duty titles into the Xbox Game Pass largely depends on the success of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision. Legal challenges, especially from the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, pose significant hurdles. Nevertheless, if all regulatory hurdles are cleared, CoD fans can realistically look forward to playing their favorite titles on Game Pass, most likely starting in 2024.

By weighing the above factors, we can conclude that 2024 serves as a reasonable target date for the Game Pass debut of Call of Duty titles. However, this is contingent upon overcoming ongoing legal battles and gaining the necessary regulatory approvals.

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