Call of Duty 2026 may skip Game Pass, rumor suggests

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While Microsoft eventually added the Call of Duty franchise to Game Pass following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, new reports suggest this strategy may be revoked for the series’ 2026 entry.

In a recent episode of the Xbox Two podcast, Windows Central journalist Jez Corden revealed that Microsoft might exclude the 2026 installment, rumored to be Modern Warfare 4, from the Game Pass library. According to Corden, based on what he has heard, this move would signal a significant shift in how Microsoft treats its first-party blockbusters.

The financial conflict of “CoD on Game Pass”

Corden argues that keeping Call of Duty on the service may currently bring more harm than benefit to Microsoft’s bottom line. The primary concerns cited include:

• Revenue Cannibalization: Having the game on the service prevents traditional sales, representing an immediate loss of direct revenue.
• Resource Consumption: The internal formula for distributing revenue to studios within Game Pass is based on user numbers. As a first-party title with a massive player base, Call of Duty “consumes” a disproportionate share of the resources.
• Impact on Partnerships: The high cost of sustaining CoD on the service allegedly prevents Microsoft from forming new partnerships to bring other third-party games to the catalog, potentially making the service less attractive over time.

Potential price adjustments

The rumor aligns with recent comments from the new head of Xbox, Asha Sharma, regarding the possibility of lowering Game Pass subscription prices. If a price reduction occurs, analysts suggest that removing high-cost titles like Call of Duty would serve as a necessary financial compensation for the lower entry fee.

While Microsoft never officially linked past price increases to the inclusion of Call of Duty, industry experts have long pointed to it as a decisive factor.

A new era for Xbox management

As 2026 begins, the industry is watching how Asha Sharma will restructure the Xbox division and whether this rumored change in strategy will define the future of Activision’s flagship shooter on the platform.

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Amanda Torati

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Amanda Torati is a linguist and postgraduate researcher who specializes in the intersection of storytelling and interactive media. With a deep fascination for the gaming ecosystem, she focuses on deconstructing game narratives and technical trends to make them accessible to players of all levels. At ABWaves Game, Amanda combines her academic background with in-depth research to deliver reviews and guides that are both precise and engaging, ensuring readers stay informed in a fast-paced digital world.

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