Call of Duty 2026 Xbox Game Pass Rumor
Microsoft is reportedly considering removing the 2026 Call of Duty game from Xbox Game Pass’s day-one release lineup, according to reports from Windows Central’s Jez Corden. The decision would represent a significant strategic shift following Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
The timing is significant, as newly appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma recently stated that “Game Pass has become too expensive for players.” Call of Duty’s inclusion as a day-one Game Pass release was cited as one of the factors behind Microsoft’s recent subscription price increases, suggesting tensions between subscriber growth and service profitability.
The potential removal reflects broader strategic reconsideration within Xbox leadership. While former Xbox executives had previously argued that a game’s presence on Game Pass could boost sales, the new direction indicates Microsoft may prioritize subscription economics and value perception over day-one inclusion of major AAA titles. This marks a departure from the company’s post-acquisition strategy of bringing blockbuster Call of Duty titles to Game Pass.