In January 2023, Xbox made headlines with the announcement of its plans to acquire Activision Blizzard King for a record-breaking $69 billion, making it the biggest acquisition in the video game industry’s history. After nearly a year of legal proceedings, Microsoft finally completed the purchase on October 13, 2023. With this acquisition, Xbox gained control over a plethora of popular franchises such as Call of Duty, Warcraft, and Candy Crush.
Despite the deal being finalized eight months ago, only one Activision game, Diablo IV, has been added to Game Pass so far. However, according to a recent report by Windows Central on July 3, more Activision titles are expected to make their way to Game Pass soon. The report suggests that Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, a highly acclaimed remake of the original Crash Bandicoot games, will be arriving on Game Pass in August. Additionally, there are rumors circulating about Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 and the Spyro Reignited Trilogy joining Game Pass later in the summer.
One burning question on gamers’ minds is when the beloved Call of Duty franchise will be added to Game Pass. With the majority of the franchise already available on Xbox Series X/S, it seems like just a matter of time before Microsoft makes these games accessible to subscribers for free. As the launch of Black Ops 6 approaches on October 25, which will be available on Game Pass from day one, it is expected that more Call of Duty titles will follow suit.
It’s interesting to note that Xbox seems to be taking a more gradual approach in bringing the Activision back catalog to Game Pass compared to how it handled Bethesda’s library of games after acquiring the publisher in 2021. While the slow rollout may be frustrating for some eager gamers, it’s clear that Xbox is strategically planning the release of these highly anticipated titles to maximize their impact on the gaming community.
In conclusion, the addition of more Activision games to Game Pass is an exciting development for subscribers and fans of the publisher’s iconic franchises. As we eagerly await the arrival of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and potentially other beloved titles, it’s clear that Xbox is committed to providing a diverse and engaging gaming experience for its players. With the promise of more games to come, the future looks bright for Game Pass subscribers who are eager to explore the expansive world of Activision’s renowned titles.