Xbox Chief Hints at Revolutionary Change for Call of Duty on Game Pass
The gaming community is abuzz with anticipation as hints emerge about the potential for new Call of Duty titles to premiere on Game Pass upon their release. In a bold move that could reshape gaming launches, Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, has hinted at a future where the latest games from Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax, and Xbox Game Studios could debut on Microsoft’s Game Pass the very same day they hit the market.
In a statement that has caught the eye of gamers and industry experts alike, Spencer outlined Microsoft’s ambitious vision. “The plan is for the complete lineup of games from ZeniMax, Activision Blizzard, and XGS to be available on Game Pass from day one,” he explained. Given this vision, it’s implied that future Call of Duty installments could be accessible via the subscription service right out of the gate.
Microsoft has already shared plans to introduce Blizzard’s Diablo 4 to Game Pass and is now making moves to include the Call of Duty catalog. This push represents a significant shift, especially considering Activision’s previous hesitation towards subscription models. The late CEO of Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick, once voiced his skepticism about the viability of such a subscription service. Contrasting Kotick’s stance, Spencer noted, “There’s a new decision-maker now,” signaling a change in direction under his leadership.
The potential inclusion of Call of Duty in Game Pass from day one could significantly attract new subscribers, leveraging the franchise’s massive global following. Nevertheless, the impact on traditional sales remains a concern for many in the industry. For example, Sony has notably kept its first-party releases off its PlayStation Plus service at launch, adding them only later. Similarly, Take-Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnick has expressed doubts about the financial wisdom of releasing major titles on subscription platforms on day one, suggesting it could represent a missed revenue opportunity for publishers.
Rumors suggest that this year’s Call of Duty installment might return to the Black Ops sub-series with a narrative centered around the Gulf War. Following the threads of global political tensions post-Cold War, the game, predominantly developed by Treyarch, is expected to launch in the latter months of the year. If Spencer’s hints hold true, it could also mark its debut as part of the Game Pass catalog.
Spencer has emphasized ongoing efforts to integrate existing Activision Blizzard titles into the Game Pass ecosystem, ensuring they’re available on both PC and console. This move not only stands to enhance the Game Pass library but also potentially transforms the gaming landscape, democratizing access to new releases and redefining the traditional game launch model.
As the gaming world awaits further announcements, it’s clear that the introduction of major titles like Call of Duty to Game Pass on day one could mark a pivotal shift in how games are distributed and consumed. Only time will tell how this strategy will play out in the broader context of the industry and whether other publishers will follow suit.
