In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was a move that sent waves of excitement and speculation throughout the community, particularly regarding the fate of the Call of Duty series on Game Pass. Despite high expectations, recent developments have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the iconic first-person shooter’s arrival on Microsoft’s subscription service.
The Buzz Around Call of Duty and Game Pass
For months, the gaming world buzzed with the possibility of Call of Duty titles being added to Game Pass, a move that seemed almost certain following Microsoft’s monumental acquisition. However, a recent report from Timdog, known for his reliable insights into the gaming industry, suggests that plans for Call of Duty’s inclusion in Game Pass might be shelved.
The Sustainability Dilemma of Game Pass
The crux of the matter, as revealed by sources close to the situation, lies in the sustainability of Game Pass. Despite Phil Spencer’s assurances that the platform is profitable, requiring a hefty $1 billion yearly investment, there appears to be a reevaluation of its capacity to support a franchise as significant as Call of Duty. “The reason, according to the source, is that Game Pass, in its current form, is unsustainable,” indicating a potential shift in Microsoft’s strategy to accommodate the heavyweight title.
The Financial Equation: Call of Duty’s Market Impact
Call of Duty’s financial footprint is enormous, with even its lowest-rated titles pulling in substantial revenue across both PlayStation and Xbox platforms, largely thanks to lucrative micro-transactions. This financial dynamic presents a conundrum for Microsoft, which has been grappling with underwhelming Xbox Series S|X hardware sales and Game Pass’s growth not meeting expectations.
(FYI) @XcloudTimdog explains why Microsoft made this decision to go third-party
– Tim has heard that Call of Duty may not be coming to game pass.
– Hardware sales have not met the projected sales and the CFO got spooked.
– In the last three months of last year, they had consoles… pic.twitter.com/ImxdBNIeh7— Idle Sloth💙💛 (@IdleSloth84_) February 5, 2024
The Precedent Set by Bethesda and Future Prospects
The acquisition of Bethesda set a precedent with its titles being promptly added to Game Pass on day one, a move that many expected to be replicated with Activision’s crown jewel, Call of Duty. However, months have passed since the deal’s approval without any sign of such integration, leading to speculation about Microsoft’s long-term plans for Game Pass and its newly acquired titles.
A Glimmer of Hope for Older Titles
Despite the uncertainty surrounding new releases, there’s still hope that older Call of Duty games could make their way to Game Pass. This strategy could serve as a boon to Xbox’s portfolio, offering a silver lining to fans and potentially boosting the service’s appeal.
Navigating Uncertain Waters
As Microsoft navigates through these pivotal changes, the future of Call of Duty on Game Pass remains in flux. While the initial excitement has been tempered by recent reports, the possibility of integrating older titles offers a compromise that could still benefit both Microsoft and the gaming community. As the situation continues to unfold, gamers and industry watchers alike will be keenly awaiting official updates, hoping for a resolution that aligns with the best interests of all parties involved.
