Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War now available on Game Pass - impact and analysis

Briefly

• Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has been available on Xbox Game Pass since September 8, 2026.
• Developed by Treyarch and Raven, the game is set during the Cold War and follows Russell Adler in his hunt for the spy Perseus.
• Black Ops Cold War was the best-selling game in the U.S. in 2020 and is the sixth Call of Duty title on Game Pass.

GAME-scanner analysis

The addition of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War to Xbox Game Pass is a strategic move by Microsoft to boost the appeal of its subscription service. With revenue of $15.45 billion in FY2023, Microsoft has strengthened its portfolio by offering popular titles like this one. However, reports indicate that adding Call of Duty to Game Pass has cost Microsoft more than $300 million in sales. This raises questions about the sustainability of its current model and the impact on future releases, such as Modern Warfare 4, which could potentially come with extra costs for Game Pass subscribers.

What does this mean for players?

For gamers, the availability of Black Ops Cold War on Game Pass means a chance to experience one of the most popular titles of recent years at no extra cost. It makes the game more accessible to new players, while existing subscribers can get even more value from their membership. The multiplayer and Zombies modes also offer a wide range of gameplay experiences, increasing the game's appeal. This could also boost player engagement with the franchise, which would be beneficial for the future of Call of Duty.