Now that Call of Duty is on Game Pass, gamers may be more likely to be disappointed with new releases on the gaming service.
It was long questioned whether Call of Duty would come to the Xbox Game Pass at all. And was it even necessary? Microsoft’s service was already vastly expanded, with hundreds of games absolutely worth playing.
Yet the moment was then: Call of Duty made its appearance on Microsoft’s gaming service. And not only that: Game Pass users themselves were able to play the brand new Black Ops 6 on day one. This sets the bar for subsequent Game Pass titles bizarrely high for Xbox.
Black Ops 6 sets a new standard on Game Pass
For a boost in user numbers, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 did not need to appear on Game Pass. The latest installment in the series was eagerly awaited by many gamers for a long time. Microsoft treated its users with early access to the game.
(image: Activision)
A huge deal preceded this. For example, almost a year ago, Microsoft bought the rights to Call of Duty from Blizzard-Activision. All to send a signal that the Xbox is still worthy competition from the PlayStation.
Incidentally, this is not the first time a game has appeared on its release day the gaming service. Previously, we got Bethesda’s Starfield and some indie games like Lies of P this way. Still, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 sets the bar very high for Microsoft. After all, will the upcoming releases on Game Pass top this game?
Quality over quantity on Game Pass
There is an abundance of choice on Game Pass. There are a lot of good games on there, but also some titles that you forget about pretty quickly. Such a huge hit like Black Ops 6 obviously does attract attention. Also in terms of quality. It’s not just any indie game appearing on Game Pass.
(image: Bethesda)
And because of that quality of Black Ops 6, gamers may be more likely to be disappointed with subsequent releases. When you hear the titles announced, they really shouldn’t have to be. For example, a handful of very big “day one” releases will appear before the end of the year.
From the new Microsoft Flight Simulator, part two in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series and, of course, a game about Indiana Jones. The latter in particular is attracting a lot of attention. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, in fact, takes a very different approach than most first-person games.
Will Indiana Jones knock Black Ops off the throne?
We recently saw the first images of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The game looks exactly like the movies, with recognizable environments and the typical adventure look. What’s more, it’s not just puzzle-solving, there’s also some serious combat.
This can be done in many different ways. It may be a First Person game, but there is very little shooting in it. Fights can be tackled or even avoided in many ways. Of course, Indiana’s whip comes in handy there.
But will the game be well received? And even more than that, will people take a break from Black Ops 6 to play the game? Game Pass has marketed itself incredibly well with these (upcoming) games, but may be making it too hard on itself in the future. Players will always continue to choose quality over quantity.
By the way, you don’t have to expect the popular Elden Ring on Game Pass for now. Wondering why? You can read it here:
