Call of Duty could skip Xbox Game Pass this year

It is possible that in 2026 Call of Duty the game will not be available on Xbox Game Pass as a first release. When Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, it meant it was a blockbuster Call of Duty the franchise would become part of Xbox Game Pass. First Call of Duty to debut as the first Xbox Game Pass game was in 2024 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6with the year 2025 Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 in his footsteps.

Historically, all Xbox-owned games have been Day One Xbox Game Pass games, with Day One being the main selling point for higher tiers of the service, such as Ultimate. It was assumed that the entire future Call of Duty games will be the first day of the Xbox Game Pass release, but now it seems that may not be the case.

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Microsoft is reportedly considering keeping CoD off Game Pass this year

Previous reports indicated this Call of Duty may be dropping Game Pass this year, and now Windows Central's Jez Corden has confirmed it. Corden said he's heard that 2026 is possible Call of Duty the game will not be released on Xbox Game Pass, which, if true, will undoubtedly be disappointing for subscribers to the service. The reputation of the Xbox Game Pass subscription already took a massive hit when the price hikes went into effect late last year, and it's safe to say that many subscribers will be unhappy to learn that not only are they paying more for Game Pass, but they're potentially getting less for it after removing a game. Call of Duty.

Xbox Game Pass price hikes came with the promise of more games on day one, and while that may still be technically true, we're losing out Call of Duty is a big deal. But before Xbox Game Pass subscribers get too worried, it's worth pointing out that nothing has been officially announced when it comes to 2026. Cod the game or its Day One Game Pass status. The game itself has not yet been revealed, although it is expected to be new Modern warfare game by Infinity Ward.

Why would Call of Duty skip a game?

It was announced last year Call of Duty being a one-day Xbox Game Pass game could potentially cost Microsoft hundreds of millions of dollars in potential revenue. Given that, it would probably make the most business sense to skip fetching Cod on Game Pass on day one, but some would argue that the toothpaste is already out of the tube. I'm going back Call of DutyGame Pass status on day one could seriously damage the brand even more and further shake consumer confidence in Xbox.

Xbox Game Pass has 2026 stacked, even without CoD

Let's assume that Microsoft eventually decides to leave Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass this year. While it would be incredibly disappointing, 2026 would be the year the Band-Aid comes off. After all, 2026 is rich in terms of big first-party games coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one, with Hello 1 remake, Gears of War: E-Day, Forza Horizon 6and Fable restart everything on board. So even if Cod moats Game Pass should not miss playing games.