Microsoft has decided to shake things up by releasing the next “Call of Duty” video game. Instead of following their usual approach of selling the game separately, they plan to include it in their subscription service. 

This move is a departure from the norm and has caught the attention of gamers everywhere. It is anticipated that this announcement will take place during the company’s annual Xbox showcase on June 9. 

In a massive $69 billion deal, Microsoft has decided to acquire Activision Blizzard. “Call of Duty” has proven an incredibly lucrative franchise, raking in a staggering $30 billion in lifetime revenue.

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Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service has amassed an impressive 34 million subscribers as of February. Its primary goal is to provide gamers access to a vast library of games from Xbox and various other developers. With the highly anticipated arrival of “Call of Duty” on Game Pass, we can expect a surge in user engagement. 

However, this move might affect the game’s sales figures. “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III,” launched in November 2023, has been a massive hit among gamers, securing its place as one of the top-selling games of the year. It’s only second to Sony’s highly anticipated “Helldivers II.” 

“Call of Duty” has become a staple in the gaming industry, renowned for its captivating gameplay and thrilling multiplayer encounters. Boasting a dedicated following and a track record of blockbuster hits, this franchise has consistently raised the standard for first-person shooter games. With the latest instalment now available on Game Pass, Microsoft is revolutionizing the distribution and consumption of blockbuster titles. This move expands the game’s reach and sets a new standard in the gaming industry. 

Exploring the world of subscription services in gaming

Subscription services such as Game Pass are rising, showcasing a more significant shift in the gaming industry towards digital distribution and service-based models. These services offer gamers a wide range of games for a monthly fee, offering more value and convenience than buying games individually. Microsoft’s Game Pass has seen a remarkable surge in popularity, with an impressive 34 million subscribers. This indicates the growing appeal of this model within the gaming community.

Microsoft is expanding the game’s reach and revolutionizing how blockbuster titles are distributed and enjoyed. 

Microsoft’s Bold Move:  “Call of Duty” Joins Game Pass Lineup

Microsoft’s decision to add “Call of Duty” to Game Pass is a calculated move aimed at countering the competition, specifically Sony’s PlayStation consoles. With its captivating subscription service and a lineup of exclusive titles such as “Call of Duty,” Microsoft is making a bold statement in the gaming market. This shift towards subscription-based gaming has the potential to thoroughly shake up the traditional console wars and revolutionize the way players access and experience games. 

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Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service includes the widely acclaimed “Call of Duty” franchise, a game-changer for the gaming industry. By introducing a subscription model, Microsoft wants to expand its user base and disrupt the conventional method of purchasing games individually. 

Developers: Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games. 

Publisher: Activision. 

Release Date: November 8, 2011

Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, OS X

Main Antagonist: Vladimir Makarov

Special Features: New multiplayer mode types and killstreak choices, improvements to the multiplayer issue