In a surprising turn of events, video game publisher Activision Blizzard has announced that two of its famous titles, Call of Duty and Diablo IV will not make it to Xbox Games Pass this year. However, there is a silver lining. The gaming titan confirmed it has future plans to include both titles in the Games Pass lineup, though this won't materialize soon.
Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard for a massive $70 billion is still teetering. While the gaming giant has chalked out a victory against the Federal Trade Commission in a federal court case, the deal hangs in a precarious balance. The gaming community watched on as Microsoft adjusted its deal structure in the United Kingdom, with the final verdict from the Competition & Markets Authority expected to be issued on or before October 18th.
Should the CMA approve the revised deal, reports suggest it could be finalized as soon as October 13th. PlayStation fans, however, can breathe a sigh of relief as Microsoft has ensured the availability of Call of Duty games on PlayStation consoles through a separate agreement.
A successful deal would pave the path for Microsoft to add Activision Blizzard titles to its Xbox Game Pass. This possibility has sparked a considerable amount of excitement and anticipation among gaming enthusiasts, who have been eagerly waiting for an update regarding this integration.
Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo IV have set gamers abuzz with questions about their potential introduction to the Xbox Game Pass. There were assumptions among Call of Duty fans that the game series might soon get a Games Pass debut. These assumptions were fueled by a leaked message on the Xbox store, which hinted at the possibility of Black Ops 2 being available for free. Some even added COD Ghosts to their Game Pass library without any additional cost.
However, Activision Blizzard quickly put speculations to rest with an official announcement. It effectively doused rumors circulating both titles' immediate appearance on the Xbox Game Pass.
In a rather straightforward reveal on October 9th, Activision Blizzard clarified their stance. The company stated they did not intend to put Modern Warfare® III or Diablo IV into Game Pass this year. They added that they would begin collaborating with Xbox to bring their titles to more players worldwide once the deal gets finalized and are optimistic about introducing games into Game Pass some time in the coming year.
Despite the brief disappointment, hope remains for fans of both games. Activision Blizzard's announcement confirms that the games will eventually make their way to Xbox Game Pass, though it wouldn’t be happening at least until next year.
Activision Blizzard's public announcement on Twitter was met with an array of responses from the gaming community. Some expressed their delight at the prospect of Call of Duty and Diablo IV coming to Xbox Game Pass, while others displayed disappointment at the delayed timeline.
The news underscores the complex dynamic and interconnectedness between game studios and platforms. The strategic decisions made today lay the groundwork for tomorrow's gaming experience, directly impacting millions of players worldwide.
While Activision Blizzard's announcement may have disappointed some fans, it no doubt underscored Microsoft’s aggressive drive to expand its Xbox Game Pass library. The platform has made it its focal point to provide a diverse range of games to its subscribers, ensuring that there is something for every type of gamer.
As is the nature of the industry, changes are inevitable and often unforeseeable. While the announcement does bring a momentary letdown for those eagerly waiting for the addition of these titles to the Xbox Game Pass, it also stokes anticipation for what the future holds.
If the acquisition goes through as planned, the introduction of more Activision Blizzard games on Microsoft's subscription service could herald a new era for Xbox gamers. This development underlines the metamorphosing landscape of gaming, where platforms and publishers continuously jostle to deliver the best gaming experience.
Ultimately, the release of Call of Duty and Diablo into Game Pass is largely dependent on the green light from the Activision Blizzard acquisition. It is only a matter of time until we get more clarity about both franchises making the transition to Xbox.
Sure, the waiting game can be a tad frustrating for gamers worldwide. But the eventual prospect of playing these massively popular titles on the Xbox Game Pass might just be worth the patience.
Whether you're an avid gamer who spends hours immersed in fantastical realms or a casual player who enjoys quick gaming sessions, the eventual arrival of titles such as Call of Duty and Diablo IV on Xbox Game Pass offers something enjoyable to look forward to.
As gamers continue to wait with bated breath, all eyes are now on the scheduled judgment day of October 18th, when the destiny of the billion-dollar deal, and consequently, of the popular gaming titles on Xbox Game Pass, will be decided.