Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Open Beta to Launch on Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass subscribers will soon have access to the open beta for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. This marks a significant moment as it’s the first Call of Duty title released under Microsoft's banner since their acquisition of Activision Blizzard, finalized on October 13, 2023. Earlier this year, Xbox confirmed that the beta would be available across all platforms.

The official dates for the Black Ops 6 open beta were revealed on July 15, although the information was prematurely leaked via the Xbox website. The early access period is scheduled from August 30 to September 4, followed by an open beta from September 6 to September 9, which will be accessible to all players without requiring any purchase or subscription.

In a blog update on August 20, Xbox disclosed that Game Pass subscribers would have early access to the Black Ops 6 beta. Beginning August 28, those with either a Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription can download the beta without any extra charges. Additionally, players across all platforms who pre-ordered the game, including Game Pass subscribers, will gain access to the multiplayer beta on August 30. This will be the first Call of Duty installment to be available on Xbox Game Pass from its release day.

Significance of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on Xbox Game Pass

The upcoming Black Ops 6 beta across all platforms is being hailed as a major victory for both fans and the gaming community. Concerns had previously been raised about the potential exclusivity of the Call of Duty series on Xbox following Microsoft’s landmark acquisition of Activision Blizzard. These fears were allayed when Microsoft signed a multi-year agreement with Sony, announced on July 16, 2023, to ensure Call of Duty remains available on PlayStation consoles.

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard had a substantial impact on Microsoft's financial performance, with a notable boost in profits for its gaming division. Speculation about the future of the Call of Duty franchise arose following the deal, with Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone being the first titles to appear on Xbox Game Pass on July 24. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is slated for release on October 25, 2024, across PS5, Xbox, and PC platforms.