Following the recent studio closures by Microsoft, there has been speculation whether or not a big game like Call of Duty will be making it to Game Pass, Microsoft’s gaming subscription that provides access to over 100 games including all of Xbox Game Studios titles day and date. This is due to the stagnated sales from Game Pass and concerns from some at the company that the revenue generated from its typical release would be undermined by Game Pass. Many in the video game community wonder whether or not Microsoft will change Game Pass or just get rid of it. Whatever the case, according to The Wall Street Journal, the next Call of Duty title will be launching into Game Pass.
The Wall Street Journal reports that sources with knowledge of the situation claim that this year’s entry will be included in the subscription service. It would mark the first time a Call of Duty game has been included in this type of service at launch. Players with access to Xbox platforms could get the next game for as little as $11.
“Microsoft plans a major shakeup of its videogame sales strategy by releasing the coming installment of Call of Duty to its subscription service instead of the longtime, lucrative approach of only selling it a la carte,” according to the article.
The report doesn’t say whether or not Microsoft would charge extra for Call of Duty inside Game Pass, nor whether the company will raise its Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The Verge reports that Microsoft has been considering raising the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate pricing again.
Microsoft will hold its annual Xbox Games Showcase on June 9. Like last year, the Showcase will be immediately followed up by a Direct. This year, it’ll be a Call of Duty Direct where they’ll officially reveal the next Black Ops title that will reportedly take place during the Gulf War.
Whether or not they announce the plans for Call of Duty on Game Pass will be something we’ll have to wait and see.