Xbox plans to release its next Call of Duty game directly to its subscription service platform, a source familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal.
According to the source, Xbox is set to reveal further details about the next CoD game in the upcoming showcase event on June 9, including plans to make the title exclusive to the Game Pass subscription service.
The move will be a departure from previous Call of Duty releases where the installment is released as a separate title before coming to the Xbox Game Pass live service.
This means that players must regularly pay around $9.99 to $16.99 per month subscription service rather than the usual $59.99 to $69.99 one-time purchase.
The decision is noted to be inspired by Bethesda, another company under Xbox's parent company Microsoft, releasing Starfield directly on Game Pass with a resounding success.
Microsoft declined to give a comment to the WSJ.
Gaming Community Remains Avert to Exclusive Subscription Service Games
Despite Microsoft's and Xbox's confidence in the success of its subscription service, fans are becoming more averted to the trend as more exclusive content is released on the platform.
It can be remembered Ubisoft's subscription service head was bashed online after telling players to get "comfortable" not owning their games.
Other game publishers, including Grand Theft Auto franchise owner Take-Two Initiative, expressed doubts about front-lining subscription service-exclusive games rather than the tried-and-tested individual releases.
According to the WSJ report, direct major game releases on subscription platforms remain a huge financial risk for game publishers as more people turn to piracy amid soaring game prices.
Next CoD Installment: What We Know So Far
Ahead of the game's announcement in June, several leaked details about the next CoD title are already circulating online as gamers debate whether to purchase another $60 to $70 game from the franchise.
Early leaks on the game indicate that the upcoming announcement in June will unveil Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 as rumors have hinted that the game has been in development since 2023.
After that, a reboot and a sort-of prequel to the 2019 Modern Warfare series is being prepared for a 2026 release, soon followed as another Advanced Warfare title.
No exact names for the two CoD projects have been detailed yet.
