Modern Warfare III’ Joins Xbox Game Pass Amid Price Increase

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III,” the newest addition to the acclaimed Call of Duty franchise, is set to join Xbox Game Pass starting this Wednesday. This release comes as Microsoft has announced upcoming price increases for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. This strategic move could provide a partial counterbalance for users who might feel the sting of higher subscription fees, which are slated to take effect in September.

The inclusion of “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” represents a significant milestone as it will be the first game from the Call of Duty series to become available on Xbox Game Pass. This subscription service, which offers access to a broad selection of video games, along with various deals and discounts, is available through both monthly and yearly payment options. The game’s arrival is expected to be a notable draw for current subscribers and potential new users, given the game’s substantial popularity and previous success in the market.

Microsoft’s announcement of the game’s addition to Game Pass comes in conjunction with its revelation of price hikes for the service. As of September, the cost for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the most premium tier of the subscription, will increase from $16.99 to $19.99 per month. Similarly, the cost for PC Game Pass will rise from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. Furthermore, a new tier, simply called “Game Pass,” will be introduced at a rate of $14.99 per month, providing a lower-cost option without certain premium features.

The timing of these price increases has been met with some dissatisfaction from users on X (formerly Twitter). Many users are frustrated that the subscription costs are rising before the release of “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” which is scheduled to come out in October and will also be included in Xbox Game Pass. This upcoming release is expected to be a significant draw for the service, potentially encouraging users to keep or sign up for Game Pass to avoid the full $70 price tag for the game. The timing suggests that Microsoft is using the allure of upcoming titles to mitigate potential backlash over the increased costs.

While “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” is anticipated to attract considerable interest, its impact might be somewhat tempered. The game has been available for over eight months and was one of the top-selling video games of 2023, which might influence its effect on subscription decisions now.

The addition of “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” to Xbox Game Pass also highlights the benefits stemming from Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the publisher behind the Call of Duty series. The service already includes a variety of popular titles, such as sports games like “Madden” and “MLB The Show,” the well-regarded shooter “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege,” and the adventure game “Sea of Thieves.” By adding a high-profile title like “Call of Duty,” Xbox Game Pass strengthens its already impressive lineup.

However, the increased subscription costs have drawn criticism from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC has raised concerns about “product degradation,” particularly in light of the new standard Game Pass tier that will not include day-one releases like “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.” This move, according to the FTC, could be seen as harmful to consumers, as it suggests a tiered system that limits access to new titles. The FTC has also criticized the general price increases for existing subscribers, viewing them as a potential example of the consumer harm it had previously expressed concerns about during the review of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision.

As the gaming industry adapts to these changes, the effects of both the price adjustments and the introduction of new games like “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” on Xbox Game Pass will become more evident in the coming months.