Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's popular gaming subscription service, is set to receive a significant addition to its catalog. On July 24, 2024, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will join the lineup as a surprise new entry, continuing the trend of exciting releases for the month.
Surprise Addition to Xbox Game Pass
Contrary to the usual bi-weekly announcement schedule, Microsoft has opted to surprise its subscribers with the sudden inclusion of Modern Warfare 3 to Xbox Game Pass. This game becomes the twelfth title added in July alone, underscoring Microsoft's commitment to enriching its library with diverse and high-quality gaming options.
Details on the Release
Modern Warfare 3, a significant entry in the Call of Duty series, will be accessible to Xbox Game Pass subscribers on both PC and console platforms. However, it's important to note that the release will not include support for Xbox Cloud Gaming at this time. This decision likely reflects the ongoing challenges of streaming high-intensity, competitive shooters, which demand low-latency environments to ensure optimal playability.
Background and Historical Context
This addition marks Modern Warfare 3 as the first Call of Duty title added to the Game Pass library following Microsoft's monumental acquisition of Activision Blizzard—a $68.7 billion deal finalized in October 2023. Previously, Diablo 4 was the only other Activision Blizzard game introduced to the service post-acquisition, primarily due to the prolonged regulatory processes involved.
Future Prospects and Other Titles
Looking ahead, the pipeline for Xbox Game Pass includes more promising titles. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is rumored to be next, with an expected August 2024 release. These additions are part of Microsoft’s strategy to leverage its rich portfolio of Activision Blizzard titles to enhance the value of its subscription service.