LIVE UPDATES
Microsoft is reportedly planning to release the upcoming instalment of the popular "Call of Duty" video game on its Game Pass subscription service, marking a significant departure from its traditional practice of selling the title independently.
The move is expected to be announced at Microsoft's annual Xbox showcase on June 9th, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to Washington Post.
This development comes after Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the publisher of "Call of Duty," which closed late last year.
The franchise is a massive success, generating over $30 billion in lifetime revenue.
Traditionally, Activision releases new "Call of Duty" editions annually, priced at around $70 each.
However, this shift to Game Pass aligns with Xbox President Sarah Bond's recent statement that the company intends to release all first-party Xbox games on the subscription service on launch day.
Game Pass, Microsoft's Netflix-style subscription service, provides access to a wide range of games from Xbox and other developers for a monthly fee. The company has been aggressively expanding this service in recent years to compete with Sony's PlayStation consoles.
As of February, Game Pass boasts 34 million subscribers, a significant increase from the 25 million reported in 2022. Analysts predict that adding "Call of Duty" to Game Pass, with its massive and loyal fan base, will attract even more subscribers. However, it could also potentially impact the overall sales of the game.
Despite this potential risk, Microsoft seems determined to leverage the popularity of "Call of Duty" to boost Game Pass subscriptions and solidify its position in the gaming market.
