In anticipation of the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 today, experts have provided their expectations regarding the impact that the launch of Activision will have on Game Pass. For the first time, a title from this franchise will be available on the Microsoft service from its launch. While it is a bold move, it has the potential to be beneficial for Microsoft.
According to GamesIndustry.biz, renowned video game industry analyst Michael Pachter predicts that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 may attract between three to four million new subscribers to Game Pass. The Xbox game service had surpassed 34 million subscribers mid-year, and was in need of a new boost.
Pachter notes that while Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 may increase the user base of the platform, this would be at the cost of losing millions in sales. He suggests that the game could stop selling up to 6 million copies, based on the fact that only a quarter of Game Pass users would acquire the game.
Often, Michael Pachter is more optimistic than other analysts, who suggest that Game Pass will only gain a small portion of subscribers compared to total sales. Piers Harding-Rolls, leader of the Ampere consultancy, believes that approximately 2.5 million users will subscribe to the service.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: more subscriptions, but fewer total sales
Pachter highlights an interesting phenomenon regarding Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 within Game Pass: although it may increase Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, total sales could be more affected.
Microsoft is aware of this dynamic and recognizes that there are other ways to monetize once the user is captivated. Call of Duty has become a game as a service, and sales of season passes and cosmetic items generate millions for Activision.
It is difficult to say that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be the title that Game Pass needs to strengthen its subscriber base. It is likely that numerous subscribers will cancel their membership after the first period. This practice is common in services like Ubisoft Connect, where users pay for a month to access titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage or Star Wars Outlaws.
Additionally, being a multi-platform game, if it does not sell on Xbox, it will sell on PlayStation or PC. Regardless of the console or platform chosen by the player, the benefits ultimately accumulate in the same bank account.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is now available today on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Game Pass. Xbox Game Pass subscribers also have access through Xbox Cloud Gaming, as long as they are subscribed to the Ultimate plan.
image credits: Hipertextual.com
