Microsoft did not immediately respond to a Reuters
request for comment. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news on Friday.
Microsoft acquired "Call of Duty" through
its buyout of Activision Blizzard in a $69 billion deal, which closed late last
year. The first-person shooter video-game is among the most successful
entertainment properties and has generated more than $30 billion, opens new tab
in lifetime revenue.
Activision has long released new editions of the
game annually priced at around $70 each in recent years.
The development comes just days after Xbox President
Sarah Bond said in a conference the company plans to release all first-party
Xbox games on Game Pass on the day of their launch. Microsoft manages a
subscription service called Game Pass, which offers access to games from Xbox
and other developers for a fee.
The Redmond, Washington-based company has tried to
build out the Netflix-style game subscription services aggressively aggressively in recent
years as part of its efforts to break the dominance of PlayStation consoles
made by Japanese rival Sony Corp (6758.T), opens new tab.
Microsoft said in February Game Pass had 34 million
subscribers, up from the 25 million it reported in 2022. Analysts said the
launch of "Call of Duty" — a franchise with a large and loyal fan
base — would help draw more people to Game Pass but could affect the overall
sales generated by the title.
"Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III",
released in November 2023, is the second-best selling game so far this year. It
trails Sony's "Helldivers II", according to industry tracker Circana.
May 17 (Reuters) - Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab
plans to release the coming installment of the "Call of Duty"
videogame to its subscription service, in a departure departure from its longtime
practice of only selling the title independently, a source familiar with the
matter said on Friday.
The move is expected to be announced at the company's annual Xbox showcase, scheduled for June 9, the person said on the condition of anonymity as the plans are private.
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