Will Call of Duty games be added to Xbox Game Pass?

Amidst the slow progress of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, recent developments point toward it finally getting over the line. Naturally, a significant question has emerged among fans. Will Call of Duty games be added to Xbox Game Pass once the deal is done?

In July 2023, a significant milestone was achieved when Microsoft gained approval to proceed with its acquisition of Activision in the US. As it stands, only a few more pending endorsements need to arrive to finalize the deal. The startling announcement of Microsoft’s takeover is poised to bring substantial changes to the future trajectory of the Call of Duty franchise.

Details about the next steps for Call of Duty have been few and far between since the ground-breaking announcement, but Microsoft have since dropped some major information about the franchise’s future and whether or not Call of Duty games will arrive on Xbox Game Pass.

Is Call of Duty coming to Xbox Game Pass?

Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision, Call of Duty will eventually make its way to Xbox Game Pass. In a blog post on the official Microsoft website, CEO Phil Spencer spoke about the future of the Activision Blizzard buyout and made some very interesting comments regarding what it would entail.

One of the most interesting snippets was confirmation that CoD would make its way to Xbox Game Pass, Micosoft’s monthly subscription service that lets players download games without buying them.

“Game Pass empowers developers to bring more games to more players, not fewer,” he wrote. “We intend to make Activision Blizzard’s much-loved library of games – including Overwatch, Diablo, and Call of Duty – available in Game Pass and to grow those gaming communities.”

Call of Duty on Xbox Games Pass release date rumors

Unfortunately, there is currently no official release date for Call of Duty titles on Xbox Game Pass.

On August 23, 2023, Spencer told IGN that moving Activision Blizzard games, including Call of Duty, to Xbox Game Pass will “take time,” and won’t automatically be available once the deal closes.

Breaking news: Microsoft confirms that once the deal between Activision Blizzard & Xbox is closed, the company will start adding Activision Blizzard games to Xbox Game Pass & PC Game Pass

— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) January 18, 2022

Previously, documents from the UK CMA trial hinted that Call of Duty could arrive on Xbox Game Pass starting in 2025. Keep in mind that official dates are yet to be confirmed, so take this information with a grain of salt.

Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s video game subscription service that launched in 2017. For a monthly fee, gamers are granted access to a rotating catalog of games. This service isn’t exclusive to Xbox console owners, as Android, iOS devices, and PC players can also access the subscription.

While players will be wondering about new Call of Duty titles, many are also interested to discover if classic Call of Duty titles will make a return on Xbox Game Pass. While it’s entirely possible that this could happen post-acquisition, there has been no confirmation just yet.

“What will change with Call of Duty?”

Answer: probably nothing besides a Nintendo Switch version and a cloud gaming version.

Sony’s deal still exists for COD 2023, so it probably won’t be on Game Pass (for now).

— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) July 11, 2023

Obviously, the benefit of adding Call of Duty to the Xbox Game Pass catalog is not lost on fans of the franchise. Not only would they save money, but the day-one access is a significant bonus for longtime COD fans.

The service essentially took over from the iconic Xbox Live subscription offered to Xbox gamers. Xbox Game Pass is now a one-stop shop for all of the premium services offered by Microsoft.

For more Call of Duty content check out some of our other guides:

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