It’s possible that the 2026 Call of Duty game is not going to be available on Xbox Game Pass as a day one release. When Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, it meant that the blockbuster Call of Duty franchise would change into a component of Xbox Game Pass. The primary Call of Duty to make its debut as a day one Xbox Game Pass game was 2024’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, with 2025’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 following in its footsteps.
Historically, all Xbox-owned games have been day one Xbox Game Pass games, with day one releases a significant selling point for higher tiers of the service like Ultimate. It has been assumed that every one future Call of Duty games shall be day one Xbox Game Pass releases, but now plainly may not actually be the case.
Microsoft Reportedly Considering the Possibility of Leaving CoD Off Game Pass This Yr
Previous reports have suggested that Call of Duty could be skipping Game Pass this 12 months, and now that is been corroborated by Windows Central’s Jez Corden. Corden said that he has heard it is a possibility that the 2026 Call of Duty game won’t be releasing on Xbox Game Pass, which, if true, will undoubtedly be disappointing news for subscribers to the service. Xbox Game Pass’ status already took a large hit when the value hikes went into effect late last 12 months, and it’s protected to say that many subscribers shall be unhappy to learn that not only are they paying more for Game Pass, but they’re potentially getting less for it with the removal of Call of Duty.
The Xbox Game Pass price hikes got here with the promise of more day one games, and while that will still technically be true, losing Call of Duty is an enormous deal. Before Xbox Game Pass subscribers get too concerned, though, it’s price stressing that nothing has been officially announced in the case of the 2026 CoD game or its Game Pass day one status. The sport itself has yet to even be revealed, though it’s assumed to be a brand new Modern Warfare game from Infinity Ward.
Why Would Call of Duty Skip Game Pass?
Last 12 months, it was reported that Call of Duty being a day one Xbox Game Pass game potentially cost Microsoft a whole bunch of tens of millions of dollars in potential sales. Considering this, it will probably make probably the most business sense to skip bringing CoD to Game Pass on day one, but some would argue the toothpaste is already out of the tube. Going back on Call of Duty‘s day one Game Pass status could seriously damage the brand much more, and further shake consumer faith in Xbox.
Xbox Game Pass Has a Stacked 2026, Even Without CoD
Let’s assume Microsoft does ultimately determine to depart Call of Duty off Xbox Game Pass this 12 months. While that will be incredibly disappointing, 2026 can be the 12 months to tear the band-aid off. In spite of everything, 2026 is stacked in the case of big, first-party games coming to Xbox Game Pass day one, with the Halo 1 remake, Gears of War: E-Day, Forza Horizon 6, and the Fable reboot all on deck. So even when CoD ditches Game Pass, there must be no shortage of games to play.