In a move that will delight Call of Duty fans, Microsoft has confirmed that the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available across all existing Xbox Game Pass tiers upon its launch. This means that subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass for Console will have access to the game without any additional fees or tier changes.
“Upon launch, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be playable on Xbox and PC for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass for Console members,” a Microsoft spokesperson told Eurogamer, addressing concerns that the company might use the game’s debut to introduce a new, higher-priced Game Pass tier.
While Microsoft has provided clarity on the game’s availability for Game Pass subscribers, the question of whether Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be released for last-generation consoles remains unanswered officially. However, multiple leaks and industry reports suggest that the game is indeed being developed for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, in addition to the current-generation PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Among the leaks pointing to a last-gen release are references to a “cross-gen bundle” found in the Call of Duty launcher files and the inclusion of pre-order bonuses for PS4 and Xbox One versions. Furthermore, Game Pass subscribers on the Xbox One are expected to have access to the game, implying the existence of a last-gen version.
Although Treyarch, the developer behind the Black Ops series, has not directly confirmed the availability of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on PS4 and Xbox One, the decision to support last-generation consoles would be a strategic move. Despite the increasing adoption of current-gen systems, slightly more gamers are still playing on PS4 than PS5 each month, even in 2024, according to industry data. Releasing the game on both generations could potentially double the game’s sales and reach a broader audience.
While the current-gen versions of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 are expected to offer improved graphics, higher frame rates, and enhanced performance, the last-gen versions should still provide a smooth experience, albeit with lower detail and potentially capped frame rates.
As anticipation builds for the next installment in the iconic Black Ops series, fans eagerly await official confirmation and performance details for the last-gen versions. Microsoft has promised an in-depth look at Black Ops 6 gameplay during an hour-long presentation dedicated to the game next month, where more information about the game’s “dark new chapter” is expected to be revealed.
