Microsoft Expands Xbox Game Pass with Activision Blizzard Hits in March Drop

In a move destined to shake up the gaming subscription space, Microsoft has announced that several blockbuster titles from Activision Blizzard will officially join Xbox Game Pass in March. Confirmed earlier today via a statement on Xbox Wire, the upcoming additions mark the first major Game Pass integration of Activision Blizzard properties since Microsoft’s acquisition of the company was finalized in October 2023.

Leading the charge are widely loved titles including *Diablo IV*, *Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy*, and *Spyro Reignited Trilogy*, all arriving on Game Pass consoles and PC starting March 12, 2024. Xbox also teased that several Call of Duty classics—most notably *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)* and *Black Ops Cold War*—will hit the service later in the spring.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer emphasized the company’s commitment to bringing beloved franchises to a larger audience. “This is only the beginning of what we have in store for Xbox players,” said Spencer. “We’re excited to make iconic Activision Blizzard experiences accessible through Game Pass, allowing more players than ever to discover, replay, and enjoy these worlds.”

The arrival of these heavy hitters has been highly anticipated since the $68.7 billion deal was approved, prompting questions around how Microsoft would leverage the massive Activision Blizzard catalog. While some fans had expected an earlier rollout, insiders suggest that licensing, regional compliance, and backend integration delayed the formal inclusion of these franchises.

Gamers who subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will gain immediate access to the titles at no additional cost, a valuable expansion considering each game’s standalone retail price. The inclusion could also significantly boost Game Pass subscriptions, which had recently plateaued at around 34 million users globally.

As Microsoft continues to ramp up its subscription model strategy, the Game Pass platform is shaping into a veritable one-stop hub for today’s most iconic gaming experiences. With more Activision Blizzard titles rumored to follow, March may be remembered as a pivotal turning point in Xbox’s quest to redefine the future of gaming.