The Future of Call of Duty: A Game Pass Dilemma
Exploring the potential exclusion of the Call of Duty series from Xbox Game Pass and Microsoft's strategic shift towards third-party publishing.
The Leaker's Revelation
BREAKING XBOX EXCLUSIVE NEWS ! TIMDOG - MR BOOMSTICK - PARRIS LILLY - Hargeet Chani
In a surprising turn of events, the renowned leaker Timdog has cast doubt on the inclusion of the iconic Call of Duty series in Xbox Game Pass.
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The anticipation surrounding the integration of this beloved shooter franchise into Microsoft's subscription service has been palpable since the acquisition of Activision Blizzard for a staggering $68.7 billion.
Despite initial expectations for Call of Duty to join the ranks of Xbox Game Pass titles, Timdog's latest insights suggest a different trajectory for the blockbuster series.
A Pivotal Decision
Contrary to previous speculation, it appears that Call of Duty might forego the opportunity to grace Xbox Game Pass, as hinted by Timdog during a recent episode of the Gamers Council podcast.
The leaker's revelation alludes to Microsoft's potential shift towards third-party publishing, a move that could see the exclusion of major titles like Call of Duty from the subscription service.
This alleged strategic pivot is rumored to be a response to dwindling Xbox console sales, prompting Microsoft to explore new avenues for its gaming portfolio.
Multi-Platform Expansion
Amidst the speculations surrounding Call of Duty's absence from Xbox Game Pass, reports suggest a broader shift towards multi-platform releases for Microsoft's titles.
Insiders hint at upcoming multi-platform endeavors, with titles like Starfield potentially making their way to the PS5 in 2024.
The rumored expansion to other platforms, including PlayStation, could mark a significant departure from Microsoft's previous exclusivity strategies, opening up new horizons for gaming enthusiasts.
Challenges and Opportunities
The decision to keep Call of Duty separate from Xbox Game Pass reflects Microsoft's evolving perspective on the sustainability of its subscription service.
Analysts point to the growing subscriber base of Xbox Game Pass, reaching 33.3 million users by December 2023, as a testament to its success.
However, concerns about the service's long-term viability have prompted discussions about the need for substantial content investments to maintain profitability.
