Microsoft Pushes for Gaming Supremacy with ‘Call of Duty’ Release
The Saga Continues
The saga of "Call of Duty" has generated more than US$30 billion in revenue worldwide in a little over 20 years. (AFP pic)
PARIS: Microsoft’s ambition to become the "Netflix of video games" faces a huge test this week with the release of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" on Friday.
A Big Bet
The US software giant bought the game’s publisher, Activision-Blizzard, a year ago for US$69 billion in the sector’s biggest takeover. Activision’s prized asset was the "Call of Duty" franchise, one of the world’s best-selling games, and Friday’s release will be the first in the series to be available from day one on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass subscription service.
A Game-Changer
The game will also be available to PlayStation users – as well as on PC. Mat Piscatella from analyst firm Circana told AFP it was "the biggest push" anyone had made to bolster a subscription platform. Video game companies once made their money from selling hard copies of their games to players who were plugged into consoles. But the industry now gets its profits from in-game sales and subscriptions on a model like Netflix or Disney+.
Conclusion
The success of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" will determine whether Microsoft’s push for gaming supremacy is paying off. If the game is a hit, it could cement Microsoft’s position as a major player in the gaming industry. But if it fails, it could be a setback for the company’s ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the release of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6"?
A: The release is significant because it will be the first "Call of Duty" game to be available on Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass subscription service, marking a major push for the company to bolster its subscription platform.
Q: How important is "Call of Duty" to Microsoft’s gaming ambitions?
A: "Call of Duty" is one of the world’s best-selling games, and its success is crucial to Microsoft’s gaming ambitions. The company has a target of 100 million customers by 2030, and the success of the game will be a major factor in achieving this goal.
Q: How will Microsoft promote the game?
A: Microsoft has reworked its pricing and will only offer the game to subscribers to its most expensive "Ultimate" tier, starting on the day of release. This move is designed to boost subscription numbers and promote the Game Pass service.