Call of Duty and Xbox Game Pass Future Uncertain Under New Leadership
- Game: Call of Duty
- Developer/Publisher: Activision Blizzard (Microsoft Gaming)
- Current Status: Internal review of Game Pass strategy
- Leadership: Asha Sharma, CEO of Microsoft Gaming
Future iterations of Call of Duty may see changes to their availability on Xbox Game Pass as Microsoft reevaluates its subscription strategy for 2026. Following an internal leadership transition in February 2026, Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma is currently reviewing whether the franchise—along with other major first-party titles—should remain available on the service on the day of release.
The Shifting Strategy of Microsoft Gaming
Since the price increases applied to every Xbox Game Pass tier in October 2025, the value proposition of the service has been a subject of internal debate at Microsoft. The company previously justified these price hikes by citing the delivery of more benefits and a broader library of titles. However, recent reports indicate that the current leadership is reconsidering the sustainability of this model.
As we have documented in our coverage at In Game News, the transition from Phil Spencer to Asha Sharma as CEO of Microsoft Gaming has brought a new perspective to the company's subscription goals. In a memo circulated earlier this week, Sharma explicitly stated that the current cost of Game Pass has reached a point where it may be perceived as too expensive by the consumer base.
Evaluating New Subscription Tiers
One of the primary options being explored by the new leadership is the creation of a tiered structure that deviates from the current offerings. Reports suggest that Microsoft is considering a specific tier that would exclusively grant access to first-party games developed by Microsoft-owned studios. This would effectively separate these high-profile titles from the broader catalog, potentially altering how players access games like Black Ops 6 or future entries in the Modern Warfare series.
The current state of the service remains fluid. While these ideas are being fielded internally, they do not yet constitute a finalized roadmap for the platform. The objective appears to be finding a balance between maintaining a competitive subscription service and ensuring the financial viability of the gaming division in a market where the cost of development continues to rise.
The Future of Call of Duty on Subscription Services
The inclusion of the Call of Duty franchise on the platform has been a cornerstone of the Microsoft Gaming strategy since the acquisition of Activision. However, the question of whether this will continue in 2026 is now a matter of internal deliberation. Does Microsoft plan to remove Call of Duty from Game Pass? While no official removal has been announced, the fact that the CEO is questioning the day-one release model signals a significant shift in thinking compared to the previous administration.
The following table outlines the key areas currently under review by Microsoft Gaming leadership:
| Area of Focus | Potential Change |
|---|---|
| Day-One Access | Debating continued inclusion of Call of Duty |
| Subscription Tiers | Considering a dedicated first-party only tier |
| Pricing Structure | Reviewing current costs following 2025 hikes |
For players on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, these deliberations could lead to a different experience by the end of 2026. If the day-one model is altered, it would represent a departure from the strategy that saw the series become a major draw for the platform. For more updates on this developing situation, refer to our Microsoft Gaming coverage.
The Impact of Leadership Changes
Asha Sharma’s approach to the business differs from that of her predecessor. Where the previous strategy leaned heavily into aggressive growth and service saturation, the current focus appears to be on internal consolidation and fiscal efficiency. The "Project Helix" initiative remains a guiding principle for the company, serving as a North Star for the long-term vision of the ecosystem, yet the specific execution of this vision under the new CEO remains undefined.
The uncertainty surrounding these changes is reflected in the current market sentiment. Players who rely on the subscription service for their gaming needs are waiting to see if the value proposition will be restored or if the service will undergo further fragmentation. Microsoft has yet to provide a definitive statement on these internal discussions, and as of now, the platform continues to operate under its existing structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Call of Duty be on Xbox Game Pass in 2026?
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma is currently debating whether future Call of Duty titles will continue to be included in Xbox Game Pass on day one.
Is Microsoft changing Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers?
Microsoft is reportedly considering the introduction of a new, exclusive tier that would only include first-party games from Microsoft-owned studios.
What are the new Xbox Game Pass plans for 2026?
While no concrete plans have been finalized, internal discussions are focused on restructuring the service following price increases implemented in October 2025.