Activision Blizzard Unveils Exclusive Xbox Game Pass Expansion
Activision Blizzard provides insights into its future plans for Xbox Game Pass, hinting at the exciting possibility of introducing highly anticipated titles such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo 4 to the popular gaming subscription service later this year
Highlights
Activision Blizzard recognizes the potential inclusion of its games in Xbox Game Pass after the completion of the acquisition, although there are no specific intentions for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 or Diablo 4 to join the service this year.
Activision Blizzard anticipates collaborating with Xbox to incorporate its games into Game Pass upon completion of the agreement. The specific timeline for the availability of Activision Blizzard games on Xbox Game Pass remains uncertain due to potential changes in plans.
Activision Blizzard is preparing to discuss plans for bringing games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo 4 to Xbox Game Pass. The long and arduous process of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is nearing completion. While Activision Blizzard cannot provide definite details until the deal is officially closed, they recognize the need to start conversations about the potential inclusion of their games on Xbox Game Pass, especially with the imminent release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Expanding the Xbox Game Pass library with popular games remains a top priority for Microsoft, as evident from their acquisition of ZeniMax Media, which included Bethesda, in 2021. Microsoft successfully completed the acquisition on March 9, 2021, and shortly after announced that 20 titles from Bethesda Games would be added to Xbox Game Pass. This swift action, though not unexpected, highlights Microsoft's dedication to enhancing their subscription service.
Activision Blizzard has addressed the potential inclusion of its game library on Xbox Game Pass following its acquisition by Microsoft. In a social media statement, Activision Blizzard acknowledged the likelihood of its games joining Xbox Game Pass once the acquisition is finalized. To alleviate concerns about immediate availability of new titles, the company clarified that it plans to add games to Game Pass sometime next year. While Activision Blizzard explicitly mentioned that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo 4 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass this year, it did not mention other games, leaving room for potential changes in plans. Additionally, the company expressed its expectation to collaborate with Xbox and make its games available on Game Pass as soon as the deal is closed.
It seems that if Activision Blizzard had full control, its games would not be available on Xbox Game Pass until 2024. While discussions may have taken place with Microsoft, it cannot be confirmed until the deal is finalized. However, Microsoft has the option to release any game on Xbox Game Pass immediately after the Activision Blizzard acquisition is complete.
Although the acquisition may face further delays, it is speculated that the deal will be completed on October 13. As Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 launches on November 10, it is crucial for Microsoft to announce their plans before players make their final purchase decisions. It appears inevitable that games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo 4 will be added to Xbox Game Pass. This information should help potential Activision Blizzard game buyers decide whether to purchase now or wait for Xbox Game Pass availability.
