As the final stages of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard draw near, the industry is rife with speculation and an air of excitement. Microsoft’s proposed $72 billion deal has already undergone extensive regulatory scrutiny, especially in the pivotal markets of the US, EU, and UK.
With most of the regulatory checks behind them, the close of this acquisition leads to one pressing question: when will popular titles, notably Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, be available on Xbox Game Pass?
The decision by Microsoft to integrate Activision Blizzard into its operations aligns with a broader vision for the future of digital entertainment. Central to this plan is the Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that grants users access to an extensive library of games for a monthly fee. The inclusion of Activision Blizzard’s vast array of titles could significantly bolster the appeal of Game Pass to a wider audience.
It’s awesome to see anticipation building for Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III. As we continue to work toward regulatory approval of the Microsoft deal, we’ve been getting some questions whether our upcoming and recently launched games will be available via Game Pass.
While we…
— Activision Blizzard (@ATVI_AB) October 9, 2023
One of the most anticipated releases, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, sits at the forefront of discussions about Game Pass availability. The Call of Duty series, renowned for its consistent quality and vast audience, is a coveted addition to the Game Pass catalog. Yet, recent statements from Activision Blizzard have clarified that Modern Warfare 3 won’t be joining Game Pass later this year.
Historically, the financial success of the Call of Duty franchise has relied on premium sales and supplementary in-game transactions. This revenue model, which has reliably delivered robust profits, demands a cautious approach to bringing a top-tier title like Modern Warfare 3 to Game Pass. Ensuring that increased accessibility doesn’t undermine established earnings is crucial.
Complicating matters further is a standing agreement between Sony and Activision for Call of Duty, which is reportedly set to conclude next year. This contract implies that premier Call of Duty titles, including potential immediate Game Pass releases, might not be feasible until 2025 or later.
Of course, with Sony signing a new agreement with Microsoft earlier this year, it’s possible that all previous deals are now moot.
Beyond the specifics of Modern Warfare 3’s Game Pass debut, Activision Blizzard’s extensive back catalog presents the subscribers numerous attractive opportunities. Microsoft’s previous effort to revive Xbox 360 servers for classic Call of Duty iterations suggests an inclination to introduce earlier entries to Game Pass subscribers. Additionally, Activision Blizzard’s possession of diverse franchises, ranging from Crash Bandicoot to Spyro and StarCraft, offers a rich variety of experiences ripe for reintroduction via Game Pass.
Importantly, while Activision Blizzard has shared its perspective on potential Game Pass integrations of its biggest titles, including Diablo 4, the decision is still going to be made by Microsoft. Reflecting on Microsoft’s past actions, such as the swift inclusion of Bethesda games into Game Pass following the closure of the ZeniMax Media deal, provides insights into the tech giant’s potential strategy post-acquisition.
With the expected acquisition closure date speculated for October 13, gamers and industry stakeholders alike are keenly waiting for clarifications about the Game Pass status of several anticipated titles. While Modern Warfare 3’s immediate Game Pass future appears uncertain, discussions concerning its 2024 prospects remain open-ended.
Moreover, we can’t deny the broader implications of this mega-merger. Such a purchase diminish competitive diversity in the industry, echoing concerns of major publisher dominance. This trend suggests that fewer industry giants will be in control of a vast share of the market, presenting challenges concerning variety, innovation, and cost for consumers. The evolving landscape draws parallels with sectors like music, where a handful of dominant entities control significant market segments. The hurdles and decisions regulatory entities face in this evolving environment will undoubtedly influence the future direction of the gaming industry.
For now, though, Call of Duty players might want to worry about something that’s guaranteed to happen – cheaters flocking to the multiplatform Open Beta period of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on October 12. Unless something miraculous happened between the past weekend and later this week, Activision Blizzard will have to deal with the potential backlash from several thousand complaints of rampant cheating in its upcoming Call of Duty entry after the initial PlayStation-exclusive beta suffered a similar fate.
