Activision Blizzard games arriving on Xbox Game Pass in 2024
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, if approved by UK regulators, could bring the gaming powerhouse's titles to Xbox Game Pass by 2024. Activision has revealed its plans to introduce an array of games to Xbox Game Pass next year, post-deal closure. As per Activision, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Diablo IV won't be part of the Xbox Game Pass in 2023. However, there's still some room to add other games to the platform next year.
Addressing fans' questions and speculations
On X (previously Twitter), Activision Blizzard addressed fans' questions about the availability of their upcoming and recently released games on Xbox Game Pass. However, they didn't mention if older titles from their vast catalog, like earlier Call of Duty games, would join the platform sooner. Fans are eager to see these games become part of the Xbox Game Pass lineup eventually.
Take a look at the post from Activision
New COD title won't be Xbox-exclusive due to Sony's deal
Activision Blizzard maintains an exclusive marketing agreement with Sony for Call of Duty. Previously, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) indicated that new iterations of Call of Duty wouldn't be available on Xbox Game Pass until 2025 due to Sony's agreement. However, the specific end date of this exclusivity remains uncertain following the recent 10-year Call of Duty deal between Microsoft and Sony.
Microsoft's efforts with classic Call of Duty titles
Microsoft resolved long-standing matchmaking issues in classic Xbox 360 Call of Duty titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops and the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in July, just before the initial acquisition deadline. This timely fix coincided with Microsoft's preparations for the final stages of its proposed Activision Blizzard purchase. In any case, it's evident that we won't be getting recent Activision Blizzard releases on Xbox Game Pass this year.
Potential impact on the gaming landscape
The inclusion of Activision Blizzard titles on Xbox Game Pass could reshape the gaming landscape by bringing popular franchises like Call of Duty and Diablo to a broader audience. If Microsoft's acquisition is successful, it would solidify the company's position in the industry and further boost the appeal of its subscription-based gaming service as compared to rivals like Sony.
