The gaming landscape is about to shift as Call of Duty Black Ops 6 takes a groundbreaking step into the cloud. This isn’t just another game release; it’s a watershed moment for Xbox and a bold experiment in the future of gaming. For the first time ever, a mainline Call of Duty title will be available natively within the cloud, marking a significant departure from traditional game launches.
The launch of Black Ops 6 on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a defining moment for Microsoft’s games division. It represents a significant bet on the future of gaming, aiming to prove whether Xbox Game Pass can truly be a viable substitute for traditional game sales. This move carries enormous weight, and the numbers will undoubtedly be closely watched.
But what about PlayStation? The recent FTC v Microsoft trial, combined with the various 10-year deals signed with competitors, confirm that Black Ops 6 won’t be an Xbox exclusive. Ubisoft, not Microsoft, holds the rights to Activision’s game streaming. This means that Black Ops 6 could appear on PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium, and even be streamed via PS Plus, but only if Sony is willing to pay for the rights. However, Sony might hesitate to make this investment if they believe it will cannibalize their own game sales, leading to a significant loss in revenue.
Another key point to consider is the presence of Call of Duty on NVIDIA’s GeForce Now platform. During the FTC v Microsoft trial, it was revealed that Microsoft and NVIDIA have signed a cloud agreement. This agreement significantly reduces the Windows OS fees that Microsoft charges NVIDIA to operate services like GeForce Now. Through this deal, along with others that have brought Xbox first-party games to GeForce Now, Microsoft has strategically leveraged NVIDIA’s powerful cloud servers. These servers are capable of delivering 4K gaming experiences, effectively shifting the heavy lifting of cloud gaming to NVIDIA.
The release of Black Ops 6 on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, along with its availability on GeForce Now, marks a significant shift in the gaming industry. It raises questions about the future of game sales, the role of cloud gaming, and the strategic alliances being formed by major players in the tech and gaming world. The success or failure of Black Ops 6’s cloud launch will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences, shaping the future of how we experience and consume video games.