Microsoft’s Strategic Game Pass Expansion
In the wake of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, the gaming giant has taken a measured approach in integrating the vast array of games from its newly acquired studios into the Game Pass ecosystem. While subscribers have enjoyed a selection of classic titles, the focus has largely been on newer releases such as Black Ops 6 and Diablo IV. However, recent developments suggest a shift may be on the horizon.
Last week, Microsoft made a subtle yet significant move by adding the PC versions of three iconic Infinity Ward titles to the Microsoft Store: Call of Duty, along with its United Offensive expansion, Call of Duty 2, and the critically acclaimed Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, which has remained a staple in the gaming community since its release in 2007.
This pattern of releasing older titles on the Microsoft Store often precedes their introduction to Game Pass, a strategy previously observed with other franchises like Spyro Reignited Trilogy and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled.
In a further development, four additional Call of Duty titles have surfaced on the Microsoft Store for PC users: Call of Duty: Ghosts, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: WWII, and Call of Duty: Black Ops III. This expansion hints at a broader strategy to enhance the Game Pass library with beloved titles from the franchise.
However, the pricing for these games remains consistent with the market, with each base game listed at , mirroring the costs found on platforms like Steam. Furthermore, the store pages for these titles indicate that “this is a classic Call of Duty experience, cross-platform Multiplayer is not supported,” suggesting that players on the Microsoft Store will not be able to engage with their Steam counterparts. While Xbox Achievements and cloud saves are available, features like Xbox Play Anywhere are notably absent.
As Microsoft prepares to unveil the final wave of Xbox Game Pass titles for 2024, the gaming community is left to speculate whether a substantial influx of Call of Duty games is on the horizon for the upcoming year. The anticipation builds as players await further announcements that could redefine their gaming experience.
