Xbox Game Pass has added another entry from the popular Call of Duty franchise, with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War now available to subscribers starting today, September 8. The game is accessible through Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Core, and features cloud streaming capabilities.
Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, Black Ops Cold War transports players to the Cold War era of 1981. The campaign follows protagonist Russell Adler and his team on their mission to track down a formidable spy known only as Perseus. Beyond its narrative campaign, the title also includes its signature multiplayer modes and a Zombies experience. The game achieved significant commercial success, topping the charts as the best-selling game in the United States for 2020.
This addition is part of Game Pass's September lineup, which also includes The Royal Writ and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage on September 10, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds on September 15.
Following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, there was speculation that a large influx of Call of Duty titles would be added to Game Pass. However, Microsoft has instead opted for a more curated approach. Black Ops Cold War marks only the sixth Call of Duty game to join the service, alongside Call of Duty: WWII, Call of Duty: Vanguard, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and Black Ops 6. While Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops 6 launched day-and-date with Game Pass, this trend is set to change. Subscribers looking to play the upcoming Modern Warfare 4 upon its release in October will likely need to purchase it separately, with the possibility of a later Game Pass addition after a year's exclusivity.