How Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on Game Pass Will Impact Xbox and PlayStation

The recent confirmation that the upcoming Call of Duty premium title will be included in Microsoft's Game Pass subscription service at launch is expected to drive interest in the platform and disrupt Sony's full-game sales. While predicting the exact commercial impact is challenging, the move is likely to have a notable effect due to Activision's product strategy and the terms of its acquisition by Microsoft. Microsoft's decision to release all first-party games on Game Pass has been a key factor in the service's growth, and including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will attract new and lapsed subscribers, primarily to the Ultimate and PC Game Pass tiers. This move is anticipated to be costly for Microsoft, at least initially, but several factors will help mitigate the expenses while maximizing the positive impact on subscription numbers. These factors include driving upsell to Game Pass Ultimate, offering early access to premium edition buyers, and monetizing the game through in-game purchases, as Call of Duty has transitioned into a live-service model. Additionally, Microsoft's agreement to allow third-party cloud gaming services access to future Call of Duty games will expose more gamers to the franchise. Sony is likely to experience commercial disruption, particularly given Call of Duty's significant contribution to its storefront revenue. However, the live-service nature of the game and its free-to-play component, Warzone, will lessen the blow. The disruption may lead some gamers to switch to Xbox for the premium campaign while still playing Warzone on their preferred console, and those yet to upgrade to the latest consoles may favor the Xbox Series offer. Overall, the inclusion of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in Game Pass will have a notable impact on both Xbox and PlayStation, influencing consumer choices and revenue streams for both companies.