Xbox Game Pass Shake-Up: Day-One Access to Call of Duty in 2024 and Price Hike Confirmed

In a move that is set to redefine the value of subscription-based gaming, Microsoft has officially confirmed that upcoming Call of Duty titles will launch day-one on Xbox Game Pass starting later this year. The announcement makes one of gaming’s most lucrative franchises available through the subscription service for the first time, aligning with Microsoft’s growing ambitions to bring blockbuster titles directly to its player base without the traditional $70 price tag.

However, the excitement comes alongside a catch. Xbox Game Pass is also getting a notable price increase, with Microsoft citing continued investment into premium titles and increasing operational costs as the driving reasons. While the company has not disclosed specific regional pricing changes just yet, sources indicate that both the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and standard Game Pass tiers will see increases of $2 to $3 per month, starting in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The inclusion of Call of Duty is a major win for Xbox Game Pass and follows Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023. According to industry analysts, Call of Duty remains one of the highest-grossing gaming franchises globally, with tens of millions of players logging in annually. Bringing such a powerhouse title to day-one availability on Game Pass could significantly boost subscriber numbers, potentially giving Xbox a substantial edge over rivals Sony and Nintendo in the ongoing content wars.

“Call of Duty on Game Pass is a game-changer—not just for Microsoft, but for the entire industry,” said NPD analyst Jordan Rees. “We’re likely to see ripple effects across competitor services like PlayStation Plus, especially as players reevaluate where they get the most bang for their buck.”

Despite the price hike, early community reactions have been mixed. Some players are enthusiastic about the added value of premium content like Call of Duty, while others voice concerns about the rising cost of living and subscription fatigue.

Microsoft has yet to announce which Call of Duty installment will debut first on the platform, but insiders suggest it will likely be this year’s entry—expected to be announced at the upcoming Xbox Summer Showcase.

With the balance of subscription gaming at stake, all eyes are on how both fans and competitors respond to Microsoft’s bold next step.