When Microsoft closed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard final 12 months, some gamers assumed this meant that the subsequent installment within the Name of Obligation franchise would hit Game Pass on day one among its launch. However based on a brand new report, that is probably not the case. Per the report, Microsoft has had “inner debates” about whether or not to place Name of Obligation’s newest releases on Game Pass. Name of Obligation is likely one of the prime-promoting online game collection on this planet, and there’s apparently concern that inserting the subsequent title on Game Pass will solely harm its income stream.
Per the report from The Verge, Microsoft has thought-about one other improve of the worth of Game Pass Final. Since a last determination hasn’t been made, “[it] might imply we nonetheless see a future Name of Obligation launch seem in most variations of Game Pass.”
Microsoft positioned a big wager on Game Pass to shut the hole between Xbox and PlayStation 5 this technology, and that wager has fallen effectively in need of the aim. Not solely are Xbox console gross sales far behind PS5, however Game Pass subscriptions are additionally declining. Game Pass itself has been blamed for negatively impacting gross sales of video games like Hello-Fi Rush. That goes a good distance in direction of explaining why Microsoft and Activision would possibly assume twice earlier than risking the identical downward pattern for Name of Obligation.
This information comes on the heels of Microsoft’s determination to shut down Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and Alpha Canine Video games–all of which have been affiliated with Bethesda. And there could also be extra layoffs amongst Xbox-affiliated studios that increase additional questions in regards to the viability of Microsoft’s gaming technique.
The following Name of Obligation is anticipated to be launched this October or November