One of the primary attractions of Xbox Game Pass has been the availability of day-one titles, featuring prominent first and third-party games that are accessible to subscribers immediately upon their release. This includes popular franchises such as Halo, Gears of War, and Forza. However, this October is set to witness the launch of one of the most significant titles on the service to date.
Following recent adjustments to the Xbox Game Pass subscription, which involved price hikes, only subscribers in certain tiers can access day-one titles. This decision has stirred controversy among players who, unless subscribed to the higher tiers, may have to wait a minimum of a year to play these new releases.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 would be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass starting October 25. Although Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the preceding installment in the series, was added to Xbox Game Pass in July, it was several months post its initial release in November 2023. This positions Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 as the first in this blockbuster shooter series to be part of the subscription from its launch date.
Call Of Duty’s Inclusion as a Day-One Series is a Significant Victory for Game Pass
Despite Initial Reports of Activision’s Reservations
Speculation had been rife about the eventual inclusion of the Call of Duty series in the subscription service after Microsoft acquired Activision, the series’ developer, last year. It appeared to be only a matter of time before new releases turned into day-one titles. However, there were reports suggesting Activision was wary of potential revenue losses that could result from joining the subscription, given the franchise’s typically lucrative releases. This concern may have contributed to the recent restructuring of subscription tiers and pricing, aiming to encourage more players to opt for the premium tier, in light of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s addition.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 - Release Date, Campaign, Multiplayer, & Zombies
Despite the controversy surrounding these changes, the inclusion of Call of Duty in the Xbox Game Pass lineup represents a considerable triumph for Microsoft. The franchise consistently ranks as one of, if not the, top-selling games annually. For instance, Modern Warfare 3 maintained a five-year dominance until it was surpassed by Hogwarts Legacy last year, underscoring its enduring popularity.
There are expectations that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 could be among the largest installments in the series to date, with the return of many beloved modes and a campaign set in the 1990s focusing on the Gulf War. Consequently, Xbox Game Pass subscribers have much to anticipate on October 25.
