It was already widely understood that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 would not launch day-one on Xbox Game Pass. However, Activision has taken the unusual step of explicitly advertising this fact to potential buyers.
Recent online advertisements for the upcoming title include a specific disclaimer stating, “NOT ON XBOX GAME PASS THIS YEAR.” The ads simultaneously urge players to pre-order the game, which grants early access to the campaign mode.
Why the explicit warning?
This clarification likely stems from the recent changes to the Xbox Game Pass pricing structure. Earlier this year, Microsoft significantly cut the price of its subscription tiers. A major factor in these savings was the exclusion of new Call of Duty titles from the service.
Asha Sharma, the current Xbox CEO, has positioned these price reductions as a win for consumers. By removing the high-cost licensing fees associated with day-one Call of Duty releases, Microsoft could lower monthly costs without cutting other content.
What this means for you
If you are a Game Pass subscriber expecting to play Modern Warfare 4 for free upon release, you will need to purchase the game separately. The pre-order option mentioned in the ads allows early access to the single-player campaign, but multiplayer and other modes will likely follow standard release windows.
For many users, the math still works out in their favor. The money saved from the reduced Game Pass subscription fee can often cover the cost of purchasing one major title like Call of Duty each year. This means you can enjoy your subscribed library at a lower price while still buying the specific games you want outside the service.
Looking ahead for the franchise
Beyond the subscription status, Modern Warfare 4 is aiming for a more grounded tone compared to recent entries. Activision has promised to avoid some of the more controversial cosmetic items seen in previous years, such as goofy skins or celebrity collaborations.
Whether this shift in direction will resonate with fans remains to be seen. The game still carries the heavy expectations of one of gaming’s biggest franchises. For now, the message is clear: if you want to play it at launch, you will need to buy it.
Source: Windows Central
Over to you: Do you prefer buying Call of Duty separately to support the developer, or do you miss having it included in Game Pass?
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