The Verge journalist Tom Warren, citing sources, spoke about Xbox’s reassessment of its own strategy. In particular, Microsoft’s gaming division is actively discussing the issue of releasing Call of Duty on the Game Pass subscription service.
Xbox bosses believe that the arrival of shooters on Xbox Game Pass will greatly impact the direct sales revenue that Activision Blizzard has relied on all these years.
Warren also wrote that Microsoft is considering raising the cost of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tariff plan.
The reporter noted that Xbox’s strategy is gradually shifting from releasing games on Game Pass towards publishing titles on as many platforms as possible and not necessarily through subscription.
The network already doubts this approach, noting that Xbox’s move will set a precedent : users will no longer be sure whether their Xbox Game Pass subscription is enough to play The Elder Scrolls VI or the new Call of Duty.
By the way, discussions are underway within the company on the release of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II on PlayStation 5.
The head of Xbox Game Studios, Matt Booty, in a letter to employees emphasized that specifically regarding Bethesda, the emphasis will be on guaranteed blockbusters that can definitely make money.
At the end of the year, Microsoft is set to release Starfield: Shattered Space, Avowed, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.