Xbox Game Pass may have Call of Duty on launch

In a recent interview with Game File, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, unveiled Microsoft’s ambitious plans to include all upcoming titles from Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax (including Bethesda, MachineGames, iD Software, etc.), and Xbox Game Studios in the Xbox Game Pass subscription service on their launch day. This means that gamers will have immediate access to these games through Game Pass as soon as they hit the market.

Spencer expressed Microsoft’s determination to integrate the full spectrum of games from ZeniMax, Activision Blizzard, and Xbox Game Studios into Game Pass right from their release. This move underscores Microsoft’s commitment to providing gamers with unparalleled access to a diverse range of high-quality titles through its subscription service.

While Microsoft has already announced the forthcoming inclusion of Blizzard’s highly anticipated title, Diablo 4, in Game Pass, there are also efforts underway to incorporate the extensive Call of Duty back catalog into the library. The possibility of new Call of Duty games launching directly into Game Pass is a notable development, considering Activision’s previous reservations about such arrangements.

Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick had voiced skepticism about the viability of multi-game subscription services as a business model. However, Spencer indicated a shift in mindset within the company, emphasizing a willingness to embrace new approaches to game distribution.

The prospect of having new Call of Duty titles available on Game Pass from day one presents significant benefits, particularly in terms of attracting and retaining subscribers. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised by some AAA publishers regarding the potential impact on game sales. Sony, for instance, has chosen not to release its first-party games on PlayStation Plus subscriptions immediately, preferring to introduce them at a later stage. Similarly, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick remains cautious about the feasibility of releasing major titles simultaneously on Microsoft’s subscription service.

As for this year’s Call of Duty instalment, it is anticipated to be another instalment in the Black Ops series, set against the backdrop of the Gulf War. Developed primarily by Treyarch, Call of Duty: Black Ops Gulf War is expected to delve into the geopolitical aftermath of the Cold War. With a projected release window in October or November, Spencer’s remarks suggest that the game will debut directly on Game Pass.

In the meantime, efforts are underway to facilitate the integration of existing Activision Blizzard games into Game Pass, with Spencer highlighting ongoing backend work to ensure simultaneous availability on both PC and console platforms. For more information about the console wars click here.