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.