When is Call of Duty Coming to Game Pass?
The Call of Duty franchise, one of the biggest names in gaming, is finally making its way to Call of Duty and Xbox Game Pass. This is exciting news for fans, as Game Pass users will soon be able to play Call of Duty games without buying them separately. However, there are still many details to clear up, and this article will break it down in simple terms.
Why Call of Duty is Important
Call of Duty has been a top video game series for many years. Each year, millions of players eagerly wait for the newest release. The game’s mix of single-player stories and competitive multiplayer battles makes it one of the most popular games worldwide. Because of this, adding Call of Duty to Game Pass is a big deal.
Game Pass is a subscription service offered by Microsoft for Xbox and PC users. With Game Pass, players can access a large library of games for a monthly fee. Instead of buying every game, you pay one price and can play hundreds of games.
The Microsoft and Activision Deal
In 2023, Microsoft completed a huge deal to buy Activision Blizzard, the company that makes Call of Duty. This purchase was massive and had a lot of people talking, especially because of how it could change the gaming world. One of the biggest questions that came up after the deal was whether Call of Duty would come to Game Pass.
Microsoft wants more people to sign up for Game Pass, and Call of Duty could help. By offering such a popular game through its service, Microsoft hopes more players will want to pay for a Game Pass subscription instead of buying games separately.
When Will Call of Duty Be on Game Pass?
As of now, the first major Call of Duty game to be released on Game Pass is expected to be Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in October 2024. This will be the first time a Call of Duty game launches on Game Pass on the same day it comes out worldwide. This is important because most fans are used to buying the game when it launches. Now, they can simply play it through their Game Pass subscription without paying extra.
While this is exciting, Microsoft has not yet said whether older Call of Duty games will also be added to Game Pass. Many fans are hoping that previous games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Call of Duty: Black Ops will also come to the service. However, there is no official word on when or if that will happen.
What Could Change?
Even though it’s great news for Game Pass users, some long-time Call of Duty fans might prefer to buy the game outright. This is because many players want to “own” the game instead of renting it through a subscription. Some people worry that Call of Duty on Game Pass could lead to more in-game purchases or other changes to how the game works.
Additionally, while Game Pass offers access to many games, some players might not be interested in other titles on the service. They might only play Call of Duty and not care about the rest of the Game Pass library. This could lead to people canceling their subscriptions after playing through Call of Duty for a few months.
Why Does This Matter?
For Microsoft, putting Call of Duty on Game Pass could boost the number of subscribers. It gives players a cheaper way to access new games without spending $70 or more each time a new game comes out. But it’s not just about saving money; it’s also about convenience. Players can download and play right away without worrying about purchasing a copy.
But, it’s a risky move for Microsoft. If too many people choose to play Call of Duty on Game Pass instead of buying it, it could hurt full-price game sales. Also, Call of Duty games typically see player numbers drop after a few months, so Microsoft could face issues with people canceling their subscriptions after that initial excitement dies down.
What’s Next for Game Pass and Call of Duty?
The addition of Call of Duty to Game Pass is a significant moment in gaming history. It reflects how video game companies are changing the way they sell and deliver games to players. By giving gamers the option to play major titles through a subscription, Microsoft is betting on a future where owning games might not be as important as having access to them.
For fans of Call of Duty, this is good news. It means that they will soon be able to enjoy their favorite franchise without spending a lot of money. However, the long-term effects on the gaming industry and player habits remain to be seen. Will Call of Duty on Game Pass change how people buy and play games? Only time will tell.
FAQs
- Will older Call of Duty games be available on Game Pass? Right now, only Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has been confirmed. There is no word yet on older titles.
- Do I need to buy Call of Duty separately if I have Game Pass? No, if Call of Duty is on Game Pass, you can play it as part of your subscription.
- Can I play Call of Duty on PC with Game Pass? Yes, Call of Duty games are expected to be available on both Xbox and PC with Game Pass.
- How much does Game Pass cost? Game Pass typically costs around $10 to $15 per month, depending on the plan you choose.
- When is Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 coming out? Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is expected to be released in October 2024.