In an exciting development for gamers, Call of Duty Modern Warfare III is set to join Microsoft's Game Pass subscription service this month. This addition was recently reported by insider Tom Henderson, who revealed that the game will soon become accessible to Game Pass subscribers. The launch closely follows Microsoft's announcement of price changes to several tiers of their Game Pass service. This move is likely an effort to balance the price increase news and maintain user interest. As gamers eagerly await the official confirmation, here’s a closer look at what this means for both Call of Duty fans and Game Pass subscribers.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare III, released on November 10, 2023, was developed by Sledgehammer Games with contributions from other noted studios like Treyarch, Infinity Ward, Raven Software, Beenox, and High Moon Studios. The game encompasses various modes, including the highly-anticipated Zombies mode and Ranked Play multiplayer, which have been particular points of interest among the gaming community. However, despite the diverse content and collaborative development, the game didn’t garner the level of commercial success Activision had anticipated. Compared to its predecessor, Modern Warfare II, sales saw a decline, although the publisher did note record levels of player engagement within the new trilogy.
Adding Modern Warfare III to the Game Pass library could serve as a strategic move by Microsoft. It coincides with the recent price adjustments to the subscription service, which now include higher costs for several options. As of today, the pricing updates affect new users, and by September 12, existing subscribers will also be impacted. Specifically, the Core option’s annual fee is increasing from $59.99 to $74.99, while the PC option rises from $9.99 to $11.99 monthly. The Ultimate subscription sees a jump from $16.99 to $19.99 monthly. A new tier, Xbox Game Pass Standard, has been introduced at $14.99 per month, granting access to a back catalog of games and online multiplayer functionality on Xbox consoles.
While these price changes are likely to generate mixed responses from the community, the addition of Modern Warfare III could help mitigate any dissatisfaction. After all, the Call of Duty series has a massive and loyal fanbase, and the inclusion of its latest title could attract both new subscribers and retain existing ones. It’s a tactic that could effectively balance the perceived value proposition of the increased subscription fees.
As anticipation builds among gamers, all eyes are on Microsoft and Activision for the official announcement regarding Modern Warfare III's Game Pass debut. This strategic move, aligning the release with the revised subscription fees, reflects a well-thought-out approach to managing consumer expectations and maintaining user engagement. For fans of the franchise and Game Pass subscribers alike, this development is slated to bring exciting new content to explore and enjoy. As the gaming industry evolves, such dynamic shifts in service offerings and content availability continue to shape the landscape, ensuring an ever-engaging experience for the community.