Microsoft Decides Against New Xbox Game Pass Tier for Black Ops 6
New reports reveal Microsoft is not planning to launch Black Ops 6 onto a new Xbox Game Pass tier specifically created specifically for this particular Call of Duty franchise. Microsoft has clarified the way Call of Duty Black Ops 6 will launch on Game Pass, confirming that there will not be an exclusive Game Pass tier specifically for the mainline sequel.
Call of Duty is releasing as a subscription service in the very first instance. Black Ops 6 has been scheduled for a specific date and day launch via Xbox Game Pass, and contrary to our expectations, Microsoft won’t be making the game available as a brand-new Game Pass membership option for the Call of Duty series.
“Upon launch, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be playable on Xbox and PC for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass for Console members,” Microsoft confirmed to Eurogamer.
The new move will see Microsoft actively pursuing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate numbers because the dual-membership option tends to favor the Ultimate category in comparison to live games such as Call of Duty. For instance, Game Pass on Console doesn’t include online multiplayer; only Ultimate as well as Core does. Furthermore, Core isn’t equipped with the ability to play Black Ops 6.
Microsoft is also launching an effort to gain greater PC market share and expand its reach beyond the established platform. It could be working: In 2023, Xbox Gaming CEO Phil Spencer declared that the gaming division would break the $1 billion mark in revenue on PCs in the first year.
In the event that no price changes happen in the context of Game Pass, Microsoft could draw the attention of, and engagement and engage millions of players on both Xbox consoles as well as PC when people sign up in mass numbers to test out the brand new Call of Duty game.