The success ofCall of Duty: Black Ops 6could have some major ramifications for the Xbox Game Pass. It’s no secret that Microsoft has made a huge push for Game Pass in the last few years, whether it’s through Day 1 releases for multiple titles, or the addition of Xbox Cloud Gaming to move the Game Pass library onto other devices. Now, following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023,Call of Dutyis being poised as one of Game Pass’s biggest inclusions, withBlack Ops 6being a day-one release for the service.

As one of the greatest selling video game franchises of all time,Call of Dutyserves as a perfect opportunity to test potential interest in a service providing instant access to new releases. The franchise’s broad appeal makesBlack Ops 6an ideal candidate to not only test the validity of releasingblockbuster titles immediately on Game Pass, but as an indication of the worth of Microsoft’s latest acquisition. And, if the current predicted numbers are anything to go by,Black Ops 6could show that Game Pass has a bright future ahead.

Character from Call Of Duty Black Ops 6 with Maps

Black Ops Could Bring 4 Million Monthly Subscribers

This Could Be The Boost Game Pass Needs

10 Best Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Maps at Launch

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 contains numerous new maps for players to check out, but these are the best ten currently in the game at launch.

Why Black Ops 6 Is Perfect For A Service Like Game Pass

Game Pass Is Optimized For Multiplayer Experiences

The potential success thatBlack Ops 6could bring to Game Pass is hardly surprising. The benefits that the Xbox service provides simply adds to the series' major appeal. TheCoDfranchise has often prided itself on its multiplayer experience. Whether playing through the typical 6 v. 6 game modes, or helping each other outin the Zombies mode,CoD’s main appeal for many fans comes from playing through the game alongside others, possibly preferring the multiplayer aspect over the single-player campaigns the titles may offer.

Game Pass only emphasizes the appeal ofCoD’s multiplayer experience simply by making it more accessible to players. The day-one addition ofBlack Ops 6means players can immediately jump into action with friends. It saves them the turmoil that could come from having to make a full purchase, especially if the single-player aspect doesn’t appeal to them.

Two soldiers holding rifles looking at the logo for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Review - Back to Basics

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a worthy inheritor of the series’ success, and while flush with content, there’s not enough innovation to be found.

This is only made better with the added benefit of Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows Game Pass players to accessBlack Ops 6from multiple devices, keeping them close to said action at all times. Game Pass offersCoDplayers something almost no other console or service can, with the ability to play the new title anywhere at anytime.Black Ops 6and Game Pass are a perfect blend that showcases to players just one of the many gaming experiences at their fingertips, which will surely result in increased success for both the game and the service.

Russel Adler in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, with a desert landscape and burning wreckage behind him.

Black Ops 6 Strategy Should Be The Standard Moving Forward

More Day-One Releases Could See Consistent Success For Game Pass

The solution to this problem extends beyondCoD, but by giving other major titles the same treatment. By promising players a multitude of different available experiences instantly, players will surely be incentivized to stick around. The strategy could also be good for the upcoming games themselves, as increased accessibility could see even more success than if they were to rely on purchases alone.

It’s clear that Microsoft is more than ready to adopt this approach. Multiple games, including the likes ofIndiana Jones and the Great CircleandMicrosoft Flight Simulator 24, are all set for a day one release on Game Pass. The success of this method, though, truly hinges on the outcome provided byCall of Duty: Black Ops 6. If this title brings in the numbers Microsoft certainly hopes it brings, then Game Pass could soon become the premier location for Xbox’s biggest releases.

The Xbox logo over various games available on Game Pass

mixcollage-14-dec-2024-06-47-am-4282.jpg