Xbox’s Hike on Game Pass Shows Cost of Lost ‘Call of Duty’ Sales

Microsoft's Xbox division has announced a significant price increase for its top-tier Game Pass subscription service. The price will go up by 50%, from $20 to $30 per month, for the highest level of the service. This move comes as a surprise to many video game enthusiasts, as it indicates the potential impact of losing the popular "Call of Duty" franchise from the service. Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the publisher of "Call of Duty," is still pending regulatory approval, and the future availability of the franchise on Game Pass remains uncertain. The price hike suggests that Microsoft is seeking to offset the potential loss of revenue from "Call of Duty" sales, which are a significant driver of the Game Pass service. This decision highlights the competitive and evolving landscape of the video game industry, where platforms must balance the needs of subscribers with the financial realities of securing popular content.