Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was the biggest-selling game of the year in the United States for 2024, and it set a franchise record as well. However, the decision to make Black Ops 6 a day-one launch title for Xbox Game Pass reportedly cost the Call of Duty franchise millions of dollars.
According to Bloomberg, a former Microsoft employee disclosed that Call of Duty console and PC sales were $300 million lower in 2024 than they were in 2023. As previously disclosed, 82% of all Black Ops 6 sales came from PlayStation consoles.
One of the primary reasons Microsoft purchased COD publisher Activision Blizzard was to get new exclusive titles for Game Pass and drive the growth of that subscription service. However, Bloomberg’s report notes that Game Pass’ subscriber growth has slowed significantly since 2020, and Microsoft hasn’t shared its subscriber numbers since it hit 34 million in February 2024.
It’s interesting to see how the dynamics of gaming sales are changing, especially with services like Game Pass influencing revenue. The success of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 shows the franchise’s strong appeal, even amidst these challenges. Looking forward to seeing how the industry adapts!
Game Pass. It really highlights how subscription models are altering traditional sales strategies. With more players opting for subscriptions, it might push developers to rethink their pricing and release strategies in the future.
You’re absolutely right about the impact of subscription models. It’s interesting to see how they can shift consumer behavior, making players more selective about individual purchases. This could change the landscape for future game releases, as companies might adapt their strategies to thrive in this new environment.