Call of Duty may skip Xbox Game Pass this year

It is possible that in 2026 Call of Duty the game will not be available on Xbox Game Pass as a Day One release. When Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard, it meant that the blockbuster Call of Duty franchise would become part of Xbox Game Pass. The first one Call of Duty to make its debut as an Xbox Game Pass game one day in 2024 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6with the 2025 century Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 follow in its footsteps.

Historically, all Xbox-owned games have been day one Xbox Game Pass games, with day one releases a big selling point for higher tiers of the service like Ultimate. It has been assumed that all future Call of Duty game will be released on day one Xbox Game Pass, but now it seems that may not be the case.

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Microsoft has reportedly considered the possibility of leaving CoD Off Game Pass this year

Previous reports have suggested that Call of Duty might be skipping Game Pass this year, and now it's been confirmed by Windows Central's Jez Corden. Corden said he's heard that 2026 is a possibility Call of Duty the game will not be released on Xbox Game Pass, which, if true, will no doubt be a disappointment to subscribers to the service. Xbox Game Pass's reputation already took a massive hit when the price hikes went into effect late last year, and it's safe to say that many subscribers will be unhappy to learn that they're not only paying more for Game Pass, but potentially getting less for it when it's removed Call of Duty.

The Xbox Game Pass price hikes came with the promise of more Day One games, and while that may still technically be true, lost Call of Duty is a big deal. Before Xbox Game Pass subscribers get too worried, though, it's worth stressing that nothing has been officially announced when it comes to 2026 Cod game or its Game Pass day one status. The game itself hasn't even been revealed yet, although it's assumed to be a new one Modern warfare game from Infinity Ward.

Why would Call of Duty skip the game?

Last year it was reported Call of Duty being one day an Xbox Game Pass game could potentially cost Microsoft hundreds of millions of dollars in potential sales. Given this, it would probably make the most business sense to skip bringing Cod to Game Pass on day one, but some would argue that the toothpaste is already out of the tube. Going back Call of Dutys day one Game Pass status could seriously damage the brand even more, and further shake consumer confidence in Xbox.

Xbox Game Pass has a stacked 2026, even without CoD

Let's assume that Microsoft ultimately decides to leave Call of Duty of Xbox Game Pass this year. While it would be incredibly disappointing, 2026 would be the year to rip the Band-Aid. After all, 2026 is stacked when it comes to big first-party games coming to Xbox Game Pass day one, with Halo 1 remake, Gears of War: E-Day, Forza Horizon 6and Fable restart everything on deck. So even if Cod ditch Game Pass, there should be no shortage of games to play.