The UK CMA today released another document related to its ongoing investigation into Activision Blizzard, as Microsoft continues its quest to acquire the Call of Duty publisher. This document reviews Xbox’s response to possible “workarounds” to suit all stakeholders, and Xbox Game Pass pricing is mentioned.
In short, Microsoft says that Xbox Game Pass I will not do it rise in price if the merger is successful. Xbox owner says he didn’t when acquiring Bethesda, and the possibility of doing so after the ActiBlizz deal is “counterproductive” to the company’s plans for the service.
He then goes on to use the annualized nature of Call of Duty as an example. Basically, Microsoft thinks that by keeping Game Pass at a lower price, CoD fans are likely to subscribe longer, rather than just diving into the service when a new Call of Duty title launches before to realize it.
“Game Pass subscribers can cancel at any time after one month of play. a few months will be away. at the highest price.”
While not directly related to Xbox Game Pass pricing, the next section of the document also provides another benefit for IPs such as Call of Duty included in the service at its current cost. Microsoft believes that if Xbox improves its Game Pass offering, Sony will improve its PlayStation Plus lineup, creating more competition in the service market.
The Microsoft team makes some compelling points here, and we’re intrigued to see how well the company will do to convince the CMA of their theories. The ongoing investigation by British authorities is expected to end on April 26.
Happy to see Xbox commit to its current Game Pass price? Leave your thoughts below.
(source assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)
Ben is a fan of action, racing, and direct fire in every video game he can get his hands on. When he’s not playing, Ben spends his time listening to too many Guns N’ Roses, watching football, and probably eating somewhere.