When Microsoft announced its acquisition of Activision-Blizzard in 2022, the gaming world was abuzz with speculation. Many feared that blockbuster franchises like Call of Duty might become exclusive to Xbox. This speculation sparked intense debates and even led to a prolonged legal battle between Microsoft and the FTC, with Sony being a prominent opponent. During this clash, Jim Ryan, the former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, reportedly expressed his desire to block the merger rather than negotiate new terms for Call of Duty.
Fast forward to today, a fresh rumor is turning heads: more gamers are reportedly enjoying Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on Xbox than on PlayStation for the first time ever. Shared by the leaker @eXtas1stv on social media, this claim suggests that Black Ops 6 is not only the top-performing Call of Duty title in a decade but is also seeing a surprising majority of its console players on Xbox. The reported stats suggest “a little over half” of these players are opting for Microsoft’s console.
This shift could be attributed to the strategic decision to release Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on Game Pass from day one. For fans who are eager to dive into the action without the hefty $70 price tag, the $15 monthly subscription to Game Pass is an enticing offer. Not only does it provide the full game, but it also grants access to a library of other fantastic titles at no additional cost.
Microsoft’s platforms are reaping their rewards. PC Game Pass, in particular, has witnessed an unprecedented one-day surge in new subscribers, with more than half of Call of Duty players on PC reportedly using Game Pass. Despite the game’s popularity on platforms like Steam, Game Pass is clearly carving out a significant share of the player base.
While these exciting tidbits shared by @eXtas1stv should be taken with a pinch of salt until official figures are released, the buzz surrounding these rumors is undeniable. It seems Microsoft’s $6.9 billion investment in Activision-Blizzard is starting to show its merit, setting a fascinating stage for future Call of Duty releases and other titles under Activision-Blizzard’s umbrella. As Microsoft continues to harness the power of its acquisitions, gamers around the globe are watching with keen interest.
