Call of Duty’s $300M Xbox Game Pass Deal Faces Potential Termination
Rumors are circulating about the future of the popular game franchise, Call of Duty, on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass. Reports suggest that the company may consider removing Call of Duty from its subscription service for this year, which could significantly impact subscribers.
Call of Duty’s Potential Removal from Xbox Game Pass
Windows Central’s Jez Corden mentioned during a livestream that Microsoft’s decision regarding Call of Duty is under reconsideration. He stated, “If they take Call of Duty out of Game Pass this year, which is a possibility from what I’ve heard, it’ll reveal some of the cracks in the strategy.” This comment has garnered attention from various media outlets and social media platforms.
The Impact of Game Pass on Sales
Microsoft has heavily invested in its Game Pass model, aiming to significantly drive engagement and game sales. However, it’s estimated that the company may have lost around $300 million, including the latest installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. This investment has not yielded the expected returns, with sales of the latest title reportedly falling to a 17-year low.
Game Pass Price Increases
In addition to the ongoing concerns regarding Call of Duty’s inclusion, Microsoft raised the price of Game Pass by 50% in October 2022. The Ultimate tier now costs $29.99 per month. If Call of Duty were to be removed from Game Pass, it’s unlikely that subscription prices would decrease.
Sony’s Position in the Gaming Market
While Microsoft has focused on enhancing Game Pass, Sony has chosen a different path. The Japanese company has consistently refrained from placing its first-party titles into its subscription service, PS Plus, citing that this strategy may not be sustainable.
Conclusion
As rumors continue about the future of Call of Duty on Xbox Game Pass, gamers are left wondering how these changes might affect their gaming experience and subscription costs. The next few months will be critical in shaping the trajectory of both Microsoft and Sony in the competitive gaming landscape.
