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Microsoft is set to introduce the next installment of the “Call of Duty” franchise to its Game Pass subscription service, breaking from the traditional model of selling the game independently.
According to a source familiar with the plans, this strategic shift is expected to be announced at Microsoft’s annual Xbox showcase on June 9.
Impact of Activision Blizzard Acquisition:
The move follows Microsoft’s late last year’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The “Call of Duty” series, known for its immense popularity and financial success—generating over $30 billion in lifetime revenue—was a key asset in this acquisition. Historically, new game editions have been released annually, each priced around $70.
Game Pass Integration:
Xbox President Sarah Bond recently confirmed that Microsoft plans to release all first-party Xbox games on Game Pass on their launch day.
This strategy aims to leverage the Game Pass platform, which offers the key to a wide range of games for a subscription fee, to compete with Sony’s PlayStation consoles. As of February, Game Pass had grown to 34 million subscribers, up from 25 million in 2022.
Potential Market Impact:
Analysts predict that integrating “Call of Duty” into Game Pass could significantly boost the subscription service’s appeal, given the franchise’s dedicated fan base.
However, this move might also impact the game’s direct sales, as the traditional annual purchase model is replaced by subscription-based access.
“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” Performance:
The latest escape in the franchise, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III,” launched in November 2023, has been the second-best-selling game of the year, trailing only Sony’s “Helldivers II,” according to industry tracker Circana. This demonstrates the enduring popularity and commercial success of the “Call of Duty” series.
