The success of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 could have some major ramifications for the Xbox Game Pass. It's no secret that Microsoft has made a huge push for Game Pass in the last few years, whether it's through Day 1 releases for multiple titles, or the addition of Xbox Cloud Gaming to move the Game Pass library onto other devices. Now, following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, Call of Duty is being poised as one of Game Pass's biggest inclusions, with Black Ops 6 being a day-one release for the service.
As one of the greatest selling video game franchises of all time, Call of Duty serves as a perfect opportunity to test potential interest in a service providing instant access to new releases. The franchise's broad appeal makes Black Ops 6 an ideal candidate to not only test the validity of releasing blockbuster titles immediately on Game Pass, but as an indication of the worth of Microsoft's latest acquisition. And, if the current predicted numbers are anything to go by, Black Ops 6 could show that Game Pass has a bright future ahead.
Black Ops Could Bring 4 Million Monthly Subscribers
This Could Be The Boost Game Pass Needs
Black Ops 6 could result in a sudden surge of new subscribers for Game Pass. According to a report from GamesIndustry.biz, analysts predict that Black Ops 6's Day 1 release on Game Pass could result in a total of between 2.5 and 4 million new subscribers for the service. The number of players being brought in from this game alone could result in an 11.7% increase on top of Game Pass's 34 million current subscribers (reported by Microsoft in February of this year), showing the influence such a franchise will have on the service's success.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 contains numerous new maps for players to check out, but these are the best ten currently in the game at launch.
The currently predicted numbers for Game Pass in October will more than make up for the potential implications for sales. The same article shows analysts also predicting a loss of 6 million sales for Black Ops 6 as a result of the game's day-one release on the service. Whilst initially concerning, Microsoft's ability to retain the huge influx of new subscribers could then result in greater long-term success thanks to the continuous revenue a subscription service would provide over one-time purchases, while demonstrating a growing interest in players toward Game Pass.
Why Black Ops 6 Is Perfect For A Service Like Game Pass
Game Pass Is Optimized For Multiplayer Experiences
Custom Image by: Katarina Cimbaljevic
The potential success that Black Ops 6 could bring to Game Pass is hardly surprising. The benefits that the Xbox service provides simply adds to the series' major appeal. The CoD franchise has often prided itself on its multiplayer experience. Whether playing through the typical 6 v. 6 game modes, or helping each other out in the Zombies mode,CoD's main appeal for many fans comes from playing through the game alongside others, possibly preferring the multiplayer aspect over the single-player campaigns the titles may offer.
Game Pass only emphasizes the appeal of CoD's multiplayer experience simply by making it more accessible to players. The day-one addition of Black Ops 6 means players can immediately jump into action with friends. It saves them the turmoil that could come from having to make a full purchase, especially if the single-player aspect doesn't appeal to them.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a worthy inheritor of the series’ success, and while flush with content, there’s not enough innovation to be found.
This is only made better with the added benefit of Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows Game Pass players to access Black Ops 6 from multiple devices, keeping them close to said action at all times. Game Pass offers CoD players something almost no other console or service can, with the ability to play the new title anywhere at anytime. Black Ops 6 and Game Pass are a perfect blend that showcases to players just one of the many gaming experiences at their fingertips, which will surely result in increased success for both the game and the service.
Black Ops 6 Strategy Should Be The Standard Moving Forward
More Day-One Releases Could See Consistent Success For Game Pass
The boost in subscribers Black Ops 6 could provide is definitely good news for Game Pass. However, the question remains about how Microsoft will be able to not only continue to see that increase, but to also retain the new subscribers as well. Microsoft will surely want to do their best in keeping their numbers at a steady level, especially considering the implications that Black Ops 6's Game Pass release could also affect sales for the game. Who's to say the new members won't just quit once they've gotten everything out of Black Ops 6?
The solution to this problem extends beyond CoD, but by giving other major titles the same treatment. By promising players a multitude of different available experiences instantly, players will surely be incentivized to stick around. The strategy could also be good for the upcoming games themselves, as increased accessibility could see even more success than if they were to rely on purchases alone.
It's clear that Microsoft is more than ready to adopt this approach. Multiple games, including the likes of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Microsoft Flight Simulator 24, are all set for a day one release on Game Pass. The success of this method, though, truly hinges on the outcome provided by Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. If this title brings in the numbers Microsoft certainly hopes it brings, then Game Pass could soon become the premier location for Xbox's biggest releases.
ESRB Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Suggestive Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
Prequel(s) Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War , Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 , Call of Duty: Black Ops III , Call of Duty: Black Ops II , Call of Duty: Black Ops , Call of Duty: World at War
Custom Image by Katarina Cimbaljevic.
Custom Image by: Katarina Cimbaljevic 
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