It has been a while now since Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard for a whopping deal of $69 billion. From the beginning, everyone knew it was just a matter of when Microsoft would bring the developer’s games, especially the widely celebrated Call of Duty, on Xbox Game Pass.
Within just a few months, Microsoft began taking small steps in that direction. And with the 2024 Call of Duty, which will mark the first CoD game after the acquisition, inching closer, it won’t be surprising to Microsft make some bid controversial moves.
Call of Duty Black Ops Gulf War to be free on Game Pass?
During a recent interview with Game Files, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer hinted that the 2024 Call of Duty game, rumored to be called Black Ops Gulf War would be made available on Xbox Game Pass. Interestingly, his comments also hint that the game could arrive free of cost on the console’s subscription service on day one of release.
The Xbox boss mentioned,
“Our intent is the full portfolio of games from ZeniMax, Activision Blizzard and XGS-Xbox Game Studios-will be on Game Pass, day one.”
Your reminder that Black Ops Gulf War *MIGHT* be FREE for all Xbox/PC Game Pass users.
“Expect a launch in October and, based on Spencer's comments, straight into Game Pass.” – IGN
No more spending $70-$100 a year on COD games 👀 pic.twitter.com/kDxFWvSMJ5
— Modern Warfare III Informer (@MW3CODInformer) April 14, 2024
Notably, the developers are yet to confirm the details of the upcoming entry in the Call of Duty franchise, including its official name. However, rumor has it that the CoD Black Ops Gulf War could hit the shelves in October 2024. Thus, if Spencer’s hints are to be taken seriously, all Xbox and PC players having a Game Pass subscription can expect to get their hands on the title on the day of its launch for free.
That being said, it must be noted that Spencer did not directly confirm the upcoming COD‘s arrival to Game Pass. His indirect statements still leave room for some other possibilities or changes in the plan. Nonetheless, the fact that Phil Spencer in the past had promised to make Call of Duty games available on the Xbox and PC Game Pass does provide some substance to his statements.
Besides, earlier this month, it was also reported that Xbox may be planning to bring the entire library of Call of Duty games to Xbox Game Pass.
What does this mean for PlayStation users?
Naturally, PlayStation players will stand at a loss if Call of Duty Black Ops Gulf War releases on Xbox Game Pass. Firstly, although highly unlikely, there could be a possibility that Microsoft announce the upcoming Call of Duty game to be an Xbox exclusive.
It is possible since after the acquisition, the developer Activision is now technically a part of Microsoft. As the console owners do with most games developed by their subsidiaries, Microsoft can make the game available exclusively for its native Xbox consoles.
However, considering the popularity and the massive market of the game, the gaming giant is unlikely to do that as it would result in financial loss of potential sales on PlayStation.
Secondly, as Spencer’s comment suggests if Black Ops Gulf War releases on Xbox Game Pass, it would mean Xbox players with the subscription can access the game free of cost on day one. On the flip side, they would have to shell out substantial pennies to purchase and get their hands on the game.
That being said, given that this is just speculation as of now, players can still wait for an official confirmation from Microsoft or Activision regarding the matter.
