- 0-20%: Unlikely – Lacks credible sources
- 21-40%: Questionable – Some concerns remain
- 41-60%: Plausible – Reasonable evidence
- 61-80%: Probable – Strong evidence
- 81-100%: Highly Likely – Multiple reliable sources
After Microsoft’s significant acquisition of Activision Blizzard, there were doubts about whether Call of Duty would be added to Xbox Game Pass. Eventually, Microsoft decided to include new releases starting with 2024’s Black Ops 6. The game set records initially but later faced challenges, leading to speculations that 2026’s Call of Duty might be removed from Game Pass, according to Windows Central’s Jez Corden.
In a recent podcast discussion, Corden expressed:
There is a possibility that Call of Duty could be taken out of Game Pass this year, based on what I’ve heard. This move might expose some weaknesses in the current strategy.
Corden also highlighted how having Call of Duty on Game Pass could be detrimental to both sides:
Game Pass has disrupted Call of Duty’s business model negatively. Microsoft uses a revenue-sharing system that impacts studios when a big game like Call of Duty enters Game Pass. On the other hand, the idea of getting Call of Duty at a lower cost through Game Pass also affects the franchise adversely.
Microsoft had raised Game Pass Ultimate pricing by 50% last October, mainly due to including the new Call of Duty game. If the game is indeed being removed, a significant price adjustment for the subscription service seems necessary.
There were previous discussions about Microsoft considering adding subscriptions like World of Warcraft and Fallout 1st to Game Pass Ultimate to justify the $30 price. However, if Call of Duty is being removed, a price reduction might be the more likely solution.
In the same podcast, Corden mentioned dataminer Red PHX discovering evidence of two potential new Game Pass tiers, Triton and Duet, focusing solely on first-party games like Doom Eternal, Fable Anniversary, and more, offering an even cheaper option.
Feel free to vote in the poll below and share your thoughts in the comments.
About the author: Alessio Palumbo has extensive experience in gaming journalism, leading the gaming section at Wccftech since 2015. He has worked with various Italian websites before founding Worlds Factory, an indie English-language publication. Alessio specializes in coordinating gaming content, managing PR, conducting interviews, and producing reviews. His favorite genres include RPGs, MMORPGs, and action/adventure games.
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