Microsoft intends to release the upcoming instalment of the "Call of Duty" video game through its subscription service, a shift from its traditional practice of selling the title separately. The individual who disclosed the information to Reuters anonymously due to its confidential nature has said that the announcement of this move is expected to be made during Microsoft's annual Xbox showcase on June 9.
Microsoft gained ownership of "Call of Duty" following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in a $69 billion deal finalised late last year. The popular first-person shooter video game is renowned as one of the most successful entertainment franchises, having generated over $30 billion in revenue over its lifetime. For years, Activision has released new editions of the game annually, typically priced at around $70 each.
This development comes shortly after the Xbox President Sarah Bond announced during a conference that Microsoft plans to make all first-party Xbox games available on Game Pass on their launch day.
Microsoft operates a subscription service known as Game Pass, providing access to games from Xbox and various developers in exchange for a fee.
Microsoft Game Pass Vs Sony PlayStation
Based in Redmond, Washington, the company has been actively expanding its Netflix-style game subscription services in recent years, aiming to challenge the dominance of Sony Corp's PlayStation consoles from Japan.
As of February, Microsoft reported that Game Pass had garnered 34 million subscribers, a notable increase from the 25 million reported in 2022.
Industry analysts believe that introducing "Call of Duty" to Game Pass, a franchise with a substantial and dedicated fan base, could attract more users to the service but may also impact the overall sales figures for the game.
According to industry tracker Circana, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III," released in November 2023, is the second-best selling game of the year, trailing behind Sony's "Helldivers II."