Game Pass subscribers will have to wait a bit longer before they can get their hands on two highly anticipated games, Diablo IV and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, on the service. Activision Blizzard recently announced on X (formerly Twitter) that these games, along with other upcoming and recent releases, will not be added to the service this year. The reason behind this decision is that Activision Blizzard is waiting for Microsoft’s acquisition of the company to be finalized, which is expected to happen within this month.
In a statement, Activision Blizzard explained, “As we continue to work toward regulatory approval of the Microsoft deal, we’ve been getting some questions whether our upcoming and recently launched games will be available via Game Pass.” The gaming giant further stated that once the deal closes, they expect to start working with Xbox and add their titles to the Game Pass service. However, this process will begin “sometime in the course of next year.”
Microsoft first announced its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for a whopping $68.7 billion in early 2022, with hopes of closing the deal by June 2023. However, the acquisition faced challenges from regulators who had concerns about potential harm to competition and innovation. The European Commission granted its approval in May, but with the condition that Microsoft offers its games on other cloud gaming services. On the other hand, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority initially blocked the deal until Microsoft and Activision Blizzard promised to sell “cloud streaming rights for all current and new Activision Blizzard PC and console games released over the next 15 years to Ubisoft Entertainment… in perpetuity.” In the US, the courts denied the Federal Trade Commission’s request to issue an injunction on the purchase. However, in September, the FTC announced its plans to restart its in-house trial against the acquisition.
The delay in adding Diablo IV and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III to Game Pass is due to the ongoing regulatory processes surrounding the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard acquisition. Once these processes are completed and the deal is finalized, the collaboration between Activision Blizzard and Xbox can begin, allowing Game Pass subscribers to access these highly anticipated titles.
Diablo IV is the fourth installment in the popular action role-playing game series developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It takes players back to the dark and gothic world of Diablo, where they must battle demonic creatures and uncover ancient lore. The game promises a stunning visual experience, immersive gameplay, and a rich story for players to explore.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is the latest entry in the successful first-person shooter franchise developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision. Known for its intense multiplayer mode and cinematic single-player campaign, the game offers a gripping and immersive experience for players. With cutting-edge graphics and realistic gameplay, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III aims to deliver an adrenaline-pumping gaming experience.
The inclusion of Diablo IV and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III on Game Pass will undoubtedly attract more subscribers to the service. Game Pass offers a vast library of games that subscribers can access for a monthly fee, making it an attractive option for gamers looking for a diverse gaming experience without breaking the bank.
While the wait for these highly anticipated games may be disappointing for Game Pass subscribers, the delay is ultimately a result of the regulatory procedures surrounding the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard acquisition. Once the deal is finalized, players can look forward to enjoying these titles and many more on the Game Pass service. In the meantime, gamers can explore the existing library of games on Game Pass, which includes a wide range of genres and titles to suit every preference.
In conclusion, Activision Blizzard has announced that Diablo IV and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III will not be added to Game Pass this year due to the ongoing regulatory processes surrounding the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard acquisition. However, once the acquisition is finalized, collaboration between Activision Blizzard and Xbox will begin, and Game Pass subscribers can expect the addition of these highly anticipated games. Game Pass continues to be a appealing option for gamers looking for a diverse and affordable gaming experience, with a growing library of games available for subscribers to enjoy.