Take-Two's CEO Skeptical on Call of Duty Boosting Game Pass

Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, believes that the addition of Call of Duty to Xbox Game Pass will temporarily boost subscriber numbers. In a recent discussion, Zelnick highlighted that offering this premium title within a subscription service could attract consumers for a limited period. However, he also noted that this decision would not sway Take-Two's strategies regarding their own subscription offerings, such as the GTA+ service tailored for avid Grand Theft Auto Online players. Despite a current voice actor strike, Zelnick assured that key projects, including the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, are expected to proceed unaffected.

The inclusion of Call of Duty into Xbox Game Pass is likely to set a precedent for other major titles, indicating the effectiveness of leveraging popular IPs in subscription models. This could potentially force competitors to reconsider their strategies to retain subscribers amidst changing market dynamics.

Call of Duty is one of the most enduring and successful franchises in gaming history, recognized for its compelling first-person shooter experience. The series has continually evolved since its inception in 2003, leading to billions in revenue. Its inclusion in Microsoft’s Game Pass marks a significant shift as the franchise adapts to modern gaming consumption trends, streamlining access for players and possibly reshaping subscription services in the video game industry.