Xbox Game Pass price increase reportedly celebrated by Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 studio

Call of Duty games have headlined Xbox Game Pass following the Activision Blizzard acquisition. However, reports indicate that Microsoft lost over $300 million in revenue by putting the shooter on the service. According to one source, the game’s studio is now more hopeful because of higher Game Pass rates.

Despite the vitriol directed at Microsoft, not everyone in the industry opposes the Xbox Game Pass price increase. Leaker TheGhostOfHope claims to have spoken to developers behind the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. These creators would see “more revenue, which means they are more in control of their future and what they can achieve”.

The studio noted that the “price increase also means they need to rely on making games that sell more units to achieve these bonuses”. It’s believed that the service offering Call of Duty games substantially decreased the number of copies sold. If more gamers opt to buy the shooter, the trend is likely to boost bonuses for developers after the Black Ops 7 release date.

Why fewer Black Ops 7 players may rely on Game Pass

Activision executives are also more upbeat about the franchise’s future. Gamers, on the other hand, are less enthused. Microsoft announced that starting on October 1st, the highest tier would cost U.S. subscribers $29.99 per month. Except for PC Game Pass, which also saw a price hike, players need Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to access day-one releases.

Adding insult to injury, the company also removed perks like discounts on Call of Duty DLC. Subscribers will instead earn more rewards points for their purchases. The changes accompany yet another Xbox price increase on Microsoft’s consoles.

Analyst SuperJoost recently shared data showing a gradual decline in Game Pass signups. It would seem logical that the higher costs would result in even fewer new subscribers. However, he believes that by catering to dedicated and casual gamers, the updated pricing will attract more buyers.