Microsoft is set to release the next “Call of Duty” game on its Game Pass subscription service, departing from its traditional sales model. This strategic move is anticipated to be announced at the Xbox showcase on June 9.
18 May 2024 – Microsoft plans to release the upcoming installment of the “Call of Duty” video game on its Game Pass subscription service, a significant departure from its traditional sales approach. This move is expected to be unveiled at the company’s annual Xbox showcase on June 9, according to a source familiar with the matter. The Wall Street Journal initially reported the news, and Microsoft has not yet commented on the development.
The “Call of Duty” franchise, acquired by Microsoft through its $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard last year, has been one of the most successful entertainment properties, generating over $30 billion in lifetime revenue. Historically, new editions of the game have been sold annually at around $70 each.
This decision aligns with Xbox President Sarah Bond’s recent announcement that all first-party Xbox games will be available on Game Pass on their launch day. Microsoft’s Game Pass, which provides access to a wide range of games for a subscription fee, is part of the company’s aggressive strategy to compete with Sony’s PlayStation. As of February, Game Pass boasts 34 million subscribers, up from 25 million in 2022.
Analysts predict that incorporating “Call of Duty” into Game Pass could significantly boost the service’s subscriber base, although it might affect the game’s individual sales. Notably, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III,” released in November 2023, is the second-best selling game of the year, trailing only Sony’s “Helldivers II,” according to industry tracker Circana.
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