Since the announcement of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, many questions have been racing through the minds of gamers and industry players alike. Needless to say, the final and effective acquisition has not helped matters. Microsoft has remained very discreet about the studio's integration into its empire, except to announce the many layoffs that resulted.
The main cause for concern, or enthusiasm depending on which side of the spectrum you're on, remains obtaining the Call of Duty license. Activision's colossal breadwinner for nearly 20 years, it is one of the most popular and profitable shooters. A new installment is released every year, and while the 2024 game has yet to reveal its details, it seems that Xbox players will be able to enjoy a huge advantage over other users. According to the latest information, the company has finally decided on its integration, or not, into the Xbox Game Pass.
In the Game Pass Day One?
This is the Wall Street Journal of reports the news, specifying that the first answer is positive! The next Call of Duty should be integrated into the catalog of the on-demand games service, and this from the day of its release like any game from Xbox Game Studios. Whether they are AAA or low budget, they all get the same treatment, as will be the case with Hellblade 2 in just a few days.
According to the media, Microsoft has adopted a new internal plan that consists of having Call of Duty treated like any other proprietary license, starting with the next iteration. This will be confirmed, or not, by the fall of 2024, or even this summer during Xbox's surprise conference. It will take place on June 9 and will include a section dedicated to an unannounced game. rumored to be the next Call of Duty.
In Search of Subscribers
Is Microsoft trying to keep its players and subscribers a little longer than expected with this move? We've recently seen that Microsoft doesn't care about keeping its games to itself, and some entries have even landed on PS5 and Nintendo Switch, the competing platforms. By doing so, Microsoft increases its chances of generating revenue, but loses all interest in its console sales or even subscription to a subscription like the Game Pass.
Ultimately, Call of Duty will be available on PC and PlayStation at the same time, as is customary. But offering it as part of the Xbox Game Pass is the assurance of having an additional AAA every year, worth 80 euros, at no extra cost to all existing subscribers. This technique could encourage players to stay on the platform, and the service, even though the title is available on other platforms that are more numerous and popular.
None of this has been confirmed. by Microsoft for now, so we must be patient and equip ourselves with the necessary tweezers while waiting for the news to be made official.
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