Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Arrives on Xbox Game Pass
The highly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has officially launched on various platforms including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Battle.net. However, the game’s availability on Xbox Game Pass marks a significant shift in how Activision delivers one of its biggest franchises to players.
This move was announced earlier this year, but the impact of having the game on Xbox Game Pass is now becoming apparent to many gamers. Call of Duty titles are consistently top sellers each year, and while Black Ops 6 is expected to maintain this trend, the option to play it for free on Game Pass may sway some players.
While previous Call of Duty titles like Warzone, Modern Warfare II, and Modern Warfare III have been added to Game Pass, Black Ops 6 is the first to be available on launch day. This milestone is a game-changer for Microsoft’s gaming subscription service, offering players immediate access to one of the biggest gaming franchises in the industry.
Expanding Player Base and Financial Implications
The availability of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on Xbox Game Pass opens up the game to a wider audience, potentially increasing the number of players compared to previous titles. This accessibility could lead to a surge in player numbers, especially with the game being offered for free to Game Pass subscribers.
From a financial perspective, it will be interesting to see how the Game Pass availability impacts Microsoft and Activision’s bottom line. While some players may have purchased the game regardless, the inclusion on Game Pass could attract new players who would have otherwise avoided the game due to its price tag.
As the game enters its initial launch phase, player numbers are expected to be high. However, the long-term success of Black Ops 6 will depend on its ability to keep players engaged over time. While some may eventually drop off, the free access on Xbox Game Pass is likely to draw in a larger player base than previous titles.
Accessibility and Game Pass Membership
It’s worth noting that players do not need a Game Pass Ultimate membership to play Black Ops 6. The game is available on PC Game Pass at a lower cost, and Ultimate members can also access it on Xbox Series X|S consoles. However, Core and Standard Game Pass members will not have immediate access to the game on console.
While Microsoft has not confirmed if Black Ops 6 will eventually be available on Core and Standard plans, there is a possibility of it happening in the future. Additionally, players who purchased the game on Steam or Battle.net, or play via PC Game Pass, can stream it through GeForce NOW for added convenience.
