In a groundbreaking move, Microsoft has announced that the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III will be available on Xbox Game Pass starting July 24, 2024. This addition marks a significant milestone for the popular subscription service, as it brings one of the most iconic first-person shooter franchises to its extensive library.
What is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is the direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022). Developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision, this installment continues the gripping narrative of Captain Price and Task Force 141 as they pursue the notorious villain Vladimir Makarov across the globe.
Key Features of Modern Warfare III
- Cinematic campaign missions and open combat missions offer players a choice
- Modernized multiplayer with 16 iconic maps from Modern Warfare 2 (2009) at launch
- Over 12 new core 6v6 maps to fuel post-launch live seasons
- Innovative Ground War maps and the return of the popular War Mode
- All-new open world Zombies experience, the largest in Call of Duty history
The Significance of Modern Warfare III on Xbox Game Pass
The arrival of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III on Xbox Game Pass is a game-changer for the service. As the first Call of Duty title to join the platform following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, it showcases the company’s commitment to delivering top-tier content to its subscribers.
How Does This Benefit Game Pass Subscribers?
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Access to a Blockbuster Title | Subscribers can play Modern Warfare III without additional purchase |
| Expanded Library | The addition of a major franchise like Call of Duty diversifies the Game Pass catalog |
| Cost Savings | Players can enjoy the game without paying the full retail price |
The Future of Call of Duty on Game Pass
Modern Warfare III is just the beginning of Call of Duty’s presence on Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft has already confirmed that the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, set to release in October 2024, will be available on the service from day one.
What Does This Mean for the Gaming Industry?
The inclusion of major titles like Call of Duty on Game Pass has the potential to reshape the gaming landscape:
- It may encourage more players to subscribe to the service
- It could put pressure on competitors to offer similar value propositions
- It may influence how publishers approach game distribution and pricing
Addressing Concerns and Controversies
Game Pass Price Hike
The announcement of Modern Warfare III’s arrival on Game Pass comes amidst recent news of price increases for the subscription service. Starting in September 2024, the monthly fee for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will rise from $16.99 to $19.99, while PC Game Pass will increase from $9.99 to $11.99.
Additionally, a new ‘standard’ Game Pass tier will be introduced at $14.99 per month.Some users have expressed discontent with these price hikes, particularly as they coincide with the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. However, the inclusion of Modern Warfare III may provide a silver lining for subscribers, offering them access to a highly sought-after title.
FTC Criticism
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has raised concerns about Microsoft’s handling of Game Pass following the Activision Blizzard acquisition. In a recent filing, the FTC criticized Microsoft for ‘product degradation’ due to the new standard Game Pass tier, which does not provide access to day-one releases.
The FTC also expressed that the price increases for current subscribers represent the type of ‘consumer harm’ it had previously warned about.Microsoft has yet to publicly address these concerns, but the addition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III to Game Pass may be seen as a step towards providing value to subscribers.
Conclusion
The arrival of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III on Xbox Game Pass is a significant event for the gaming community. It not only brings a beloved franchise to the service but also hints at a future where major titles are more accessible to subscribers.
While there are concerns surrounding price increases and FTC criticism, the inclusion of Modern Warfare III demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to delivering high-quality content to Game Pass users.As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the impact of this move will be closely watched by players, publishers, and competitors alike.
One thing is certain: the addition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III to Xbox Game Pass is a major win for subscribers and a testament to the growing influence of subscription-based gaming services.
