In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has announced that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available on Xbox Game Pass this year. Although the official announcement has yet to be made, an early push notification from the Xbox Game Pass app has revealed this exciting development.

The timing of this announcement has raised some eyebrows, as it comes just two weeks before a dedicated Call of Duty showcase and Xbox Games Showcase. Many expected these events to be the platform for a major reveal, but it seems that Microsoft is eager to make a splash with this early notification.

This move represents Microsoft's unwavering commitment to Xbox Game Pass. Initially met with speculation about whether they would sacrifice game sales on the platform, it is now clear that Microsoft is fully embracing the subscription service. This decision sets a precedent that all future Xbox first-party games, including all acquired IPs regardless of size, will be included on Xbox Game Pass from launch.

One reason behind this strategic move lies in the current state of Call of Duty sales. With PlayStation sales far outnumbering Xbox sales and the game still priced at $70 on the former platform, Microsoft's non-exclusive approach makes sense. Additionally, there will still be non-Game Pass PC sales to consider.

Furthermore, considering the monetization model of Call of Duty, which heavily relies on microtransactions, it's evident that Microsoft stands to benefit even if players access the game through Game Pass. Players will still need to purchase in-game content such as skins and battle passes, potentially generating substantial revenue. It remains to be seen whether significant discounts will be offered to Game Pass subscribers.

Microsoft's move to bring Call of Duty to Xbox Game Pass is also seen as a strategic way to attract a significant number of new subscribers. The franchise's popularity and the consistency of its year-round gameplay make it a major draw for players. With Call of Duty as a flagship addition, Microsoft is banking on the fact that subscribers are unlikely to cancel their Game Pass subscriptions quickly.

Looking ahead, questions arise on how Xbox Game Pass will continue to expand its subscriber base. Nevertheless, the inclusion of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 marks a significant milestone for the subscription service. Microsoft is pulling out all the stops to solidify Game Pass as a premier gaming experience, ensuring that even blockbuster titles like Call of Duty find a home on the platform.