Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is officially a launch day title on Xbox Game Pass. This means those who subscribe to Microsoft's monthly gaming service will be able to play this year's new game for free the day it launches.
Activision hasn't announced exactly when Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be released, although rumors indicate a late October launch.
We'll likely get an official date on June 9, 2024, which is when Microsoft is hosting its Xbox Games Showcase followed by the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct. Fans will be able to tune in to both of these livestreams for more information on this year's game, including a possible release date and platforms. It was recently reported that Black Ops 6 will be headed to last-gen gaming consoles in addition to the current PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The Xbox Games Showcase next month will feature an official reveal for Black Ops 6 while the follow-up Direct will provide an in-depth look at all-new gameplay and product announcements.
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Prior to today's confirmation, there were reports that Microsoft had been holding internal debates regarding Black Ops 6 launching for free on Xbox Game Pass. Some were worried that putting the blockbuster shooter on Game Pass at launch could "undermine" the value of the franchise. New Call of Duty games typically sell millions of copies and generate billions in revenue yearly.
While putting it on Game Pass at launch will likely boost the subscriber numbers, will it be enough to make up for lost sales revenue? A new Call of Duty game typically sells for $69.99 for the Standard Edition. Meanwhile, gamers can pay as low as $9.99 per month for Game Pass.
There was speculation that Xbox could raise the price of Game Pass or possibly gatekeep Black Ops 6 behind the more expensive Ultimate Tier of Game Pass, which currently costs $16.99 per month. There was further speculation that Microsoft is considering raising the price of Game Pass Ultimate, especially if Call of Duty were to be added to the library.
So far, Microsoft has not addressed any of these rumors, aside from simply confirming that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be a Game Pass launch day title. For those who don't own an Xbox, Call of Duty will remain a multiplatform title, which means you should also be able to buy and play it on PlayStation and PC.
