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Microsoft to Release New "Call of Duty" on Game Pass, Departing from Traditional Sales Model
Updated: May 24
Microsoft intends to offer the next "Call of Duty" game through its subscription service, Game Pass. The announcement is likely to take place on June 9 during Microsoft's annual Xbox reveal. The move is part of Microsoft's strategy to challenge Sony's supremacy in the gaming business.
This represents a break from the company's previous practice of selling the game separately. The announcement is likely to be made at Microsoft's annual Xbox reveal on June 9, but the source requested anonymity because the plans are still confidential.
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard in a massive $69 billion deal last year included the rights to the "Call of Duty" franchise. With over $30 billion in lifetime revenue, the first-person shooter game has become one of the most successful entertainment properties in history. Activision has traditionally released new editions of the game every year, for roughly $70 each.
This move comes shortly after Xbox President Sarah Bond said that Microsoft intends to make all first-party Xbox titles available on its Game Pass subscription service on the day of their release. For a charge, Game Pass provides access to a diverse selection of games from Xbox and other studios. In recent years, Microsoft has aggressively expanded its Netflix-style game subscription services, with the goal of challenging Sony's PlayStation system supremacy.
As of February, Game Pass had 34 million users, up significantly from the 25 million stated in 2022. Analysts predict that adding "Call of Duty" to the subscription service will draw even more customers. However, there are concerns that this shift may have an influence on the game's total sales, given its vast and passionate fan following.
"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III," which will be released in November 2023, is presently the second-best selling game of the year, following only Sony's "Helldivers II," according to industry tracker Circana.
Microsoft plans to release the next "Call of Duty" game on its subscription service, Game Pass.
The announcement is expected to be made at Microsoft's annual Xbox showcase on June 9.
The move is part of Microsoft's efforts to challenge Sony's dominance in the gaming industry.
Source: REUTERS