Exciting news for gamers: Microsoft has confirmed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. This announcement, initially leaked prematurely, was officially revealed in an Xbox Wire blog post. Megan Spurr, the senior community lead for Xbox Game Pass, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming release, stating, "We're excited to confirm that Game Pass members will be able to jump into Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on day one with Game Pass."
Microsoft has also released a trailer confirming that Black Ops 6 will be accessible on both Xbox Game Pass for consoles and PC Game Pass. This move aligns with Microsoft's recent trend of launching significant titles directly into their subscription service, following similar hints from Xbox president Sarah Bond.
Black Ops 6 Setting and Features
Set during the early '90s Gulf War, Black Ops 6 features world leaders like Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, and Saddam Hussein in its live-action reveal trailer titled "The Truth Lies." The game promises to explore this dark chapter of history with an in-depth look at gameplay expected during the Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Direct on June 9, 2024, as part of the Xbox Games Showcase.
Impact on Sales and Game Pass
Traditionally, Call of Duty games sell around 25 million copies at $70 each, generating substantial revenue. However, the introduction of Black Ops 6 on Game Pass has sparked debates about the potential impact on sales. Xbox boss Phil Spencer and other executives argue that being on Game Pass can boost a game’s overall sales, despite concerns about cannibalization from some publishers, including former Activision boss Bobby Kotick.
Microsoft is navigating these challenges while seeking to attract new subscribers to Game Pass, especially with subscription numbers not growing as expected. The company’s strategy to include a blockbuster title like Call of Duty at launch is seen as a way to bolster subscriber numbers.
Pricing and Future Announcements
While the exact release date for Black Ops 6 remains unannounced, insiders suggest a late October launch. Microsoft has not confirmed whether there will be a price increase for the Game Pass Ultimate subscription, a topic of speculation given the current market trends.
Further details about Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be unveiled during a special stream following the main Xbox summer showcase on June 9th. This event will also feature announcements for other anticipated titles such as a new Gears of War game, the next instalment of Doom, and release dates for upcoming games like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Avowed, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
Broader Context and Industry Impact
This announcement comes amid significant changes within Microsoft’s gaming division, including staff reductions and the closure of studios like Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin. These moves highlight the company's ongoing restructuring efforts within its gaming business.
Despite these challenges, Microsoft's commitment to delivering high-value content through Game Pass is clear. The inclusion of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a significant step in this direction, promising to offer subscribers unparalleled access to one of the most popular franchises in gaming history.