A new rumor suggests that Microsoft may consider removing Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass, raising questions about the long term structure of the subscription service. The claim comes from Windows Central editor Jez Corden, who discussed the possibility during a recent podcast.
Speaking about Game Pass pricing and sustainability, Corden pointed to recent changes in subscription costs and availability of prepaid cards. He noted that higher pricing could be tied to the inclusion of major titles like Call of Duty, which may be affecting the service’s overall economics. “Game Pass has disrupted Call of Duty’s business model in a pretty negative way,” he said, explaining that the franchise’s scale could absorb a significant portion of the service’s revenue allocation.
Corden also discussed Microsoft’s internal funding structure, where Game Pass revenue is distributed back to studios based on engagement. According to him, a title as large as Call of Duty could dominate that distribution, potentially limiting resources available for bringing in additional content. At the same time, he suggested that including the game in the service may reduce direct sales, creating a difficult balance.
The discussion also touched on the possibility of new subscription tiers. References to datamined codenames were mentioned, with speculation that these tiers could focus on first-party content or introduce more flexible bundle options. This could allow Microsoft to separate high-profile live service games into premium tiers.
Later in the podcast, Corden addressed the possibility more directly, stating, “Maybe. I mean, it’ll be interesting to see, like, if Call of Duty, if they take Call of Duty out of Game Pass this year, which is a possibility from what I’ve heard.” He added that such a move could expose potential weaknesses in the current strategy.
While Call of Duty’s addition to Game Pass was initially seen as a major milestone, its long-term role within the service remains uncertain. Microsoft has not commented on any plans to remove the franchise or restructure its availability within Game Pass.
