Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Launch Could Significantly Impact Xbox Game Pass
With the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 approaching, analysts are assessing its potential effects on Xbox Game Pass. Estimates suggest that the game could attract up to 4 million new subscribers to Microsoft’s subscription service, although this may come at the cost of as many as 6 million lost game sales.
Black Ops 6 will be the first title in the franchise to launch on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on day one, marking a crucial milestone in Microsoft’s strategy after acquiring Activision Blizzard for $69 billion last year.
Analysts from GamesIndustry.biz indicate that the Game Pass introduction could significantly boost subscriber numbers. For instance, Michael Pachter, managing director at Wedbush Securities, predicts an influx of between 3 to 4 million new members following the launch. However, he acknowledges the potential loss of up to 6 million sales, citing that about 25% of Game Pass subscribers might have purchased the game independently.
Meanwhile, Piers Harding-Rolls, head games analyst at Ampere, expressed a more cautious outlook. He estimates the game could lead to a 10% increase in Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions, translating to around 2.5 million members, with some of that growth likely coming from existing subscribers upgrading from lower tiers.
“Nobody knows what Microsoft’s expectations are for Game Pass growth past launch,” noted Dr. Serkan Toto from Katan Games. “If Black Ops 6 does not meet targets, things can become very grim very quickly. I also wonder if it will be able to retain subscribers in the long run or if numbers will drop sharply early next year after the initial hype subsides.”
Dr. Toto added, “Those who own both Xbox and PlayStation consoles may be swayed to play on Microsoft’s devices, but cross-platform play and multi-platform accounts mean this is not necessarily a permanent decision.”
Expert Discussion
To delve deeper into the implications of Black Ops 6 and its relation to Xbox Game Pass, we gathered insights from several industry experts:
- Michael Pachter: Emphasizes the balance between gaining subscribers and potential sales losses.
- Piers Harding-Rolls: Points out that not all new subscribers will be completely new users.
- Dr. Serkan Toto: Raises concerns about long-term retention and Microsoft’s expectations post-launch.
Join the Discussion!
What are your thoughts on the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and its impact on Xbox Game Pass? Will you be subscribing, or do you think it will lead to a decline in game sales? Let us know in the comments below!