Doubts started to creep in, but it looks as though the next Call of Duty series installment will be coming to Xbox Game Pass after all.
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft plans to release the new installment of Call of Duty, rumored to be Black Ops 6, for Game Pass subscribers on launch day.
Previously, Xbox executives reportedly had reservations about the idea because putting the title on Game Pass would undermine revenue for Activision Blizzard. Currently, Game Pass costs anywhere from $9.99 to $16.99 a month, but day one releases are only available to certain tiers. To offset the potential losses Microsoft allegedly considered raising prices, but it’s unclear if it intends to follow through with that plan. In comparison, Modern Warfare 3 cost $70 or $100, depending on which edition players purchased.
This would be the first Call of Duty title on Game Pass. Since finalizing the deal to purchase Activision Blizzard, Microsoft has only recently started to roll out games from the acquisition, like Diablo IV. Microsoft will have to consider whether Game Pass would generate more revenue in the long term than cashing in on one purchase.
As for when players can get their hands on the upcoming title, rumors suggest that Black Ops 6 will launch in late October. The new Call of Duty is expected to be purchased separately on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC. According to the Wall Street Journal report, Activision Blizzard plans to make the official announcement during the Xbox showcase event on June 9.
