In the ever-evolving world of gaming, Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass has been a game-changer, offering a library of titles at gamers’ fingertips. However, the highly anticipated inclusion of Call of Duty and other Activision Blizzard games on Xbox Game Pass has faced unexpected delays, leaving players eagerly waiting for what’s to come.
The Regulatory Hurdles
The journey began with Microsoft’s attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard. Regulatory challenges loomed large, with the British Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reviewing the acquisition. The uncertainty surrounding the approval led to Xbox’s inability to add these gaming gems to their subscription service immediately. However, the recent confirmation from Activision Blizzard on Twitter shed light on the situation, revealing that upcoming titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Diablo IV wouldn’t be joining Game Pass anytime soon.
This situation stands in stark contrast to Microsoft’s earlier acquisition of ZeniMax Media, where a plethora of Bethesda titles, including Fallout, DOOM, and Dishonored, were made available on Game Pass just two days after the acquisition. The delay in this case has left many fans disappointed, and Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer acknowledged this in a recent podcast.
Looking Towards 2024
Phil Spencer, while addressing the situation on the Official Xbox Podcast, confirmed the accuracy of Activision Blizzard’s tweet regarding a 2024 timeline. He assured that there are no secret surprises on the horizon and recognized the disappointment some fans may be feeling. However, this acquisition is a long-term endeavor, granting Xbox ample time to cater to the ever-growing needs of gamers.
The Parity Promise
One of the most significant concerns for gamers has been the fate of Call of Duty. Phil Spencer addressed this concern by ensuring “100 percent parity” across all platforms for this franchise, including PlayStation. This means that players on various platforms will have access to the same content and timing. Xbox is even taking advantage of this by offering exclusive content to PlayStation players in the form of early access to multiplayer beta and an exclusive operator called Lockpick, available to those who pre-order Modern Warfare 3 on PS4 and PS5 until November 9, 2024.
However, there may be some performance and resolution variations depending on the platform, as demonstrated by the technical limitations in the Xbox port of Baldur’s Gate 3, where split-screen co-op is unavailable on the lower-end Xbox Series S. Nonetheless, in-game content remains consistent.
A Platform-Neutral Approach
Phil Spencer emphasized that the goal is not to use Call of Duty as a means to sell Xbox consoles. There is no intention of making platform-exclusive beta weekends, as he believes this doesn’t benefit players. This acquisition process has been a lengthy one, lasting over a year, with the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expressing concerns about Microsoft’s deal being anti-competitive. There were fears that Call of Duty might become exclusive to Xbox, leading to debates and court proceedings. Even PlayStation’s Jim Ryan joined in, labeling Xbox Game Pass as “value destructive” based on discussions with various video game publishers.
The road to bringing Call of Duty and Activision Blizzard games to Xbox Game Pass has been riddled with obstacles, but the future looks promising. Xbox is committed to delivering the best gaming experience, ensuring players across platforms enjoy the same benefits. While the wait continues, gamers can look forward to a future where the boundaries between consoles are blurred, and the joy of gaming remains universal.
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