Is Call of Duty on Game Pass?
The question on many gamers’ minds: Is the popular Call of Duty franchise available on Game Pass, the popular subscription-based service from Xbox? The answer is complicated, and in this article, we’ll delve into the details to provide a complete breakdown of what’s available and what’s not.
Background
Before diving into the meat of the article, let’s quickly set the stage. In December 2022, Microsoft, the owner of Xbox, completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the parent company of Call of Duty. As part of the agreement, Microsoft and Sony ( Activision’s major competitor) reached an agreement that would keep new Call of Duty games off of Nintendo Switch for 10 years and that Call of Duty games would be available on Google Stadia, a cloud-based game streaming service. There was no mention of Game Pass, but the acquisition would undoubtedly impact the availability of Call of Duty games on Microsoft’s services.
What Does Activision Say?
Recently, Activision Blizzard cleared up the uncertainty surrounding the availability of its games on Game Pass. In an interview with Polygon, Frank Riccardi, the Company’s CMO, stated, "Neither Modern Warfare III nor Diablo IV will come to Xbox Game Pass this year." The statement confirmed long-standing speculation about the exclusivity arrangement between Sony and Activision Blizzard and offered no additional information on when the Call of Duty series might be available on the service.
What Does Microsoft Say?
Xbox and Activision Blizzard’s official statements don’t provide a definitive answer to whether other Call of Duty games will be added to Game Pass. While Microsoft hasn’t indicated any plans to exclude the franchise from Game Pass in the future, there hasn’t been a commitment to add the games, either.
What Are Players’ Options?
Currently, existing Call of Duty games on other platforms might not be accessible through Game Pass due to platform exclusivity or licensing agreements. However, buying a game outright allows full ownership and access to play through Game Pass, even after cancellation. To own the titles, you need to purchase them. Some available options for fans to keep their Call of Duty games:
- Purchase the games (buy now, play now; keep after subscription ends or cancels)
- Own (keep games after subscription ends/cancels) by purchasing individually
- Game sales: Buying games from storefronts and keeping ownership post-cancellation
Recent Developments
In November 2022, a rumor spread across gaming circles that Sony agreed to relax its restrictions and allow older Call of Duty titles to be made available on Xbox through Game Pass. Although no such deal was officially confirmed or commented on, many speculated about how this move could change Call of Duty’s availability on Microsoft platforms.
Recent Call of Duty and Game Pass Updates
Microsoft officially confirmed an addition to Game Pass lineup in late 2022 but didn’t identify the specific games as part of Call of Duty franchise:
"Over 500 titles added so far. We will make more games and features available through PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass over the next few years."""
While no explicit confirmations**, Microsoft does expand the subscription service through these titles in the future. Stay attuned for news on additional add-ons in the Call of Duty repertoire.
Timeline of Updates for Call of Duty and Game Pass
• **Nov, 2022: Rumor emerged** stating Sony relax rules on older CoD titles access through Xbox, Game Pass
• **December 2022:** Microsoft completes the acquisition of Activision Blizzard
• **Recent Announcement:** Game Pass updates included titles to be available at some time point in the future on Game PassPros and Cons for Gamers
For Gamers Whose Only Interest in Playable and Owning games through a subscription service, a Call of Duty-specific subscription for its exclusive contents would have created an environment where it will be easy and accessible, thus limiting their exploration of other genres but with "Free-time" for casual gaming or keeping a **"stable pace" for focused gaming, having all favorite games at the beck and call through a simple ‘tap/click.’ Unfortunately, no news on whether co-op would be part of this, at least yet.***