Highlights
Xbox Game Pass provides an extensive range of games catering to various genres, with its primary appeal lying in the inclusion of AAA franchises.Although Call of Duty stands as one of the most prominent gaming franchises globally, it has been unable to join Xbox Game Pass due to legal and business complexities.
As Xbox's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard nears completion, it would be logical for Call of Duty to become part of Xbox Game Pass. This is especially true considering that older titles could be included, while new releases are limited until 2025.
The most enticing aspect of Xbox Game Pass is its ability to cater to every individual's gaming preferences. Regardless of the player's preferred genre, Xbox Game Pass offers a diverse range of games to satisfy their interests. It provides a comprehensive selection at the mere touch of a button. While Xbox Game Pass prides itself on encompassing various types of games, it is undeniable that its main appeal lies in the inclusion of significant AAA franchises.
Though Indie games are an integral part of Xbox Game Pass' annual cycle, the focus of subscribers is truly captivated by the big AAA games. The game offerings for July on Xbox Game Pass exemplify this point perfectly. Despite the inclusion of remarkable Indie games such as The Wandering Village and Arcade Paradise this month, it is Grand Theft Auto 5 that is currently attracting the most attention on Xbox Game Pass. The acquisition of major franchises holds immense significance for Xbox Game Pass, and the absence of one particular massive franchise no longer appears logical.
It's Time Call of Duty Was on Xbox Game Pass
Call of Duty has established itself as one of the most influential gaming franchises worldwide, maintaining its prominence for nearly two decades. While the initial entries garnered acclaim, it was in 2007, with the release of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, that the franchise truly skyrocketed in popularity. Since then, its fan base has expanded exponentially. Given the immense success of Call of Duty, it would seem logical for Xbox to include the series in Game Pass in some capacity. However, the process is not as straightforward as one might think.
The recent court hearings between Microsoft and the FTC have shed light on the intricate legal and business aspects involved in the gaming industry's most successful franchises and publishers. These complexities are likely why Call of Duty has yet to be included in Xbox Game Pass. However, with Xbox's ongoing acquisition of Activision-Blizzard making progress and requesting an extension to address concerns from the CMA, it appears that the deal will likely be finalized soon. Given this, it no longer seems logical for Call of Duty to be absent from Xbox Game Pass.
There are no rules preventing older Call of Duty titles from being added to Xbox Game Pass, unlike the restriction for new releases until 2025. With the recent increase in player count for games like Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops, it would be an opportune time for Xbox to add classic Call of Duty titles to Game Pass. This move would not only capitalize on the current hype surrounding older titles but also provide a glimpse into the future after the completion of the Activision-Blizzard deal. It is puzzling why Call of Duty is absent from Xbox Game Pass, especially considering that PlayStation Plus included Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War as one of their free games in July. If PlayStation Plus can offer a new Call of Duty title, then Xbox Game Pass should be able to include a few classic ones in their subscription service.