Report Suggests 2026 Call of Duty Might Skip Xbox Game Pass Day One
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Recent reports suggest that the 2026 Call of Duty game may not launch on Xbox Game Pass on day one, potentially frustrating subscribers who are still processing recent price hikes.
Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass may need to adjust their expectations for the franchise later this year. According to fresh reporting from Windows Central's Jez Corden, the 2026 installment of Call of Duty might not launch on the subscription service on day one. While Microsoft previously brought both Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 7 to Game Pass immediately at launch following the massive Activision Blizzard acquisition, the publisher appears to be weighing a different strategy for the upcoming release, which is widely rumored to be a new Modern Warfare title from Infinity Ward.
This potential shift arrives at a particularly sensitive time for Microsoft and its service strategy. Game Pass already faced significant community backlash following major subscription price hikes last year, increases that were partially justified by the promise of high-profile day one blockbusters. For the millions of players who treat Game Pass as their primary ecosystem for multi-platform gaming and socializing, losing a tentpole franchise like Call of Duty from the day one lineup feels like a major step backward while paying higher monthly rates.
It is important to note that nothing is set in stone yet, as Microsoft has not officially detailed the release plans or even formally revealed the 2026 game. Industry rumors should always be taken with a grain of salt until publishers make definitive announcements. For now, players should keep a close eye on official updates from Activision and Xbox as the usual late spring and summer reveal season approaches. To read the full original reporting, check out Game Rant.
Tags: Xbox Game Pass, Call of Duty, Industry News, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard
Original article: Game Rant