Call of Duty has been one of the marquee titles on Xbox Game Pass, attracting new subscribers and offering immense value to those already in the ecosystem. But according to journalist Jez Corden, the blockbuster franchise might be heading out of Microsoft’s service by 2026—and the reasons are raising plenty of eyebrows.

Why Call of Duty Could Exit Game Pass

The idea of removing Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass isn't due to a lack of player interest. Instead, it appears to be related to financial considerations. When a title like Call of Duty joins Game Pass, Microsoft has to share revenue based on playtime, while also sacrificing traditional sales as some players opt to access the game through the subscription rather than purchasing it outright.

Call of Duty’s massive player base compounds this issue. Because the franchise attracts millions of players, a significant number of potential one-time purchases might be lost. This, in turn, leads to less revenue being generated overall. Moreover, the high cost of maintaining and promoting such a major title may reduce the budget Microsoft could otherwise allocate to adding a broader variety of games to the Game Pass catalog.

Simply put, Call of Duty’s success within Game Pass might be costing Microsoft more than it’s making—an unusual predicament for any game, but one that highlights the challenges of balancing premium AAA content within a subscription model.

Could a Cheaper Game Pass Be the Future?

Corden hinted at an intriguing possibility: Xbox Game Pass might become more affordable if Call of Duty were removed from the service. Without Call of Duty’s heavy financial demands, Microsoft could potentially reinvest funds into securing more diverse game offerings while keeping subscription costs competitive. This tradeoff—removing a single blockbuster game in exchange for a broader catalog—could appeal to players seeking variety.

On the flip side, Call of Duty has undeniable brand strength. For some subscribers, its availability on Game Pass is a deciding factor. Removing it from the service might alienate those who view the franchise as a core feature of their subscription value.

The Economics of Game Pass

Microsoft has positioned Game Pass as a game-changer within the industry, offering extensive gaming options for one monthly fee. However, the economics of the platform require careful navigation. Titles with high production budgets like Call of Duty pose unique challenges compared to smaller or independent games. While those smaller games rely on Game Pass visibility and revenue-sharing for exposure, giant franchises like Call of Duty work differently—they are already cultural juggernauts, and their inclusion might disrupt the delicate balance of profitability.

If Microsoft’s alleged struggles with Call of Duty on Game Pass highlight anything, it’s the complexity of running a subscription service in the gaming industry. The platform's success often lies in providing a mix of blockbuster hits, indie gems, and mid-tier titles, all while keeping costs sustainable. Overloading the service with expensive-to-maintain games like Call of Duty could backfire both financially and in terms of content diversity.

What Gamers Care About

The key question for players remains: What’s more valuable, the guaranteed inclusion of Call of Duty or a varied catalog of games? For fans of the series, having access to every new title as part of a subscription is an undeniable perk. However, those less invested in first-person shooters might argue that Call of Duty’s presence limits their access to other kinds of games. With Xbox Game Pass typically praised for its variety, overly allocating resources to a single franchise could undermine one of its greatest strengths.

What This Means for the Industry

Call of Duty potentially leaving Xbox Game Pass could inspire larger conversations about the viability of subscription models for other massive AAA franchises. If Microsoft determines that Call of Duty’s inclusion isn’t profitable, other publishers might take notice. Would that mean fewer blockbuster games on subscription platforms in the long run? Or could it spur creative new ways to bundle content without raising costs astronomically?

At the same time, it’s worth considering whether this situation could lead to a renewed focus on smaller, innovative titles within Game Pass. Microsoft has frequently emphasized its commitment to indie developers, and a pivot away from high-cost AAA games might leave room for those smaller voices to shine.

What’s Next?

For now, it’s unclear what Microsoft’s ultimate decision will be regarding Call of Duty on Game Pass. Existing financial agreements, including those tied to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, may influence this situation further. In any case, players are unlikely to see immediate changes, but speculation about the long-term strategy of subscription services like Xbox Game Pass will undoubtedly continue.

Gamers, what do you think? Would you trade Call of Duty for a more affordable or diversified Game Pass catalog? It’s a tough call and one that speaks volumes about the balancing act Microsoft faces as it seeks to please gamers while ensuring financial sustainability.