Microsoft is Banking on Call of Duty to Increase Game Pass Subscriptions, it’s Claimed

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming experience under my belt, I must admit, Microsoft’s move to bring Call of Duty to Xbox Game Pass on day one is a smart business strategy, but it remains to be seen if it will significantly increase subscriptions and revenues.

As per a recent study, Microsoft anticipates that the addition of Call of Duty could boost its Game Pass subscriber base.

According to Tom Warren from The Verge, his sources suggest that Microsoft is betting on bringing this year’s Call of Duty (Black Ops 6) to Xbox Game Pass will boost its gaming revenue. Reportedly, the company had a discussion about whether or not to add this game to their subscription service. Now, they are taking a risk, hoping it will increase Game Pass subscribers during the busy holiday season for new Xbox games and an anticipated year ahead.

In May 2024, Xbox revealed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available for Game Pass subscribers on launch day. This makes it the inaugural Call of Duty game to debut on a subscription service simultaneously with its release. Approximately two months later, they announced an increase in Game Pass subscription costs by up to 25%. By February 2024, Xbox reported that its Game Pass platform had amassed a total of 34 million paying customers, distributed across its multiple pricing levels.

Microsoft clearly aims to boost Game Pass subscriptions and earnings with the addition of Call of Duty, given it’s a business venture. However, determining exactly how much and for how long remains uncertain. While Call of Duty is a massive franchise, expecting one game alone to significantly influence subscription numbers might be overly optimistic.

News emerges after the latest wave of job cuts at Microsoft, impacting roughly 650 staff members in their gaming sector. As per an internal communication from Phil Spencer, these positions primarily included corporate and support roles. Online sources indicate that the majority of employees affected belong to Activision Blizzard.

Microsoft fully acquired Activision Blizzard in October 2023 for a total cost of $75.4 billion.

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