Is MW2 on Game Pass?
Introduction
The claim in question is whether "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II" (2022) will be available on Xbox Game Pass. This has been a topic of interest among gamers, particularly following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Various sources have reported differing timelines and details regarding the game's availability on the subscription service.
What We Know
-
Availability Date: According to multiple sources, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II" (2022) is set to launch on Xbox Game Pass on May 1, 2025. This information is reported by Dexerto, which states that the game will be accessible on cloud, console, and PC platforms for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers [1].
-
Acquisition Context: The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has been a significant factor in the discussion around the availability of Call of Duty titles on Game Pass. Reports indicate that the integration of Call of Duty games into Game Pass is part of Microsoft's long-term strategy, with other titles like "Modern Warfare 3" (2023) and "Black Ops 6" already being added to the service [2].
-
Current Status: Prior to the acquisition's completion, there were indications that "Modern Warfare II" would not be available on Game Pass. A Microsoft community forum post from July 2023 suggested that while there was potential for the game to be added post-acquisition, it was not available at that time [3].
-
Official Confirmation: The official Xbox website confirms that "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II" is optimized for Xbox Series X|S and is available for purchase, but does not explicitly state its availability on Game Pass until the mentioned date [6].
-
Additional Context: Sources like Prima Games have noted that the timeline for adding games to Game Pass typically aligns with the lifecycle of the games, suggesting that titles may be added after a year of release [5].
Analysis
The reliability of the sources varies, and it is essential to critically evaluate them:
-
Dexerto and The Verge are established gaming news outlets known for their coverage of the gaming industry. Their reports about the May 2025 availability date are consistent and appear credible [1][8]. However, it is important to note that these articles do not provide direct quotes from Microsoft or Activision, which could strengthen their claims.
-
MitchCactus provides an analysis of Microsoft's strategy but lacks direct citations or official statements, which raises questions about the depth of their information [2].
-
The Microsoft community forum post reflects user speculation rather than official confirmation, making it less reliable for definitive claims [3].
-
Prima Games offers context regarding the acquisition and the typical game lifecycle but does not provide specific timelines for "Modern Warfare II" [5].
-
The Xbox official page serves as a primary source for game information but does not clarify Game Pass availability until the specified date, which is crucial for understanding the current status [6].
Overall, while there is a consensus among several sources regarding the future availability of "Modern Warfare II" on Game Pass, the lack of direct official confirmation from Microsoft at this time leaves some uncertainty.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II" (2022) is currently available on Xbox Game Pass is false. The evidence indicates that the game is set to become available on May 1, 2025, as reported by multiple sources, including Dexerto and The Verge [1][8]. However, there is no official confirmation from Microsoft or Activision regarding its immediate availability on Game Pass, which is crucial for validating the claim.
It is important to note that while there is a consensus among various reports about the future availability of the game, the absence of direct statements from the companies involved introduces a degree of uncertainty. Additionally, the context of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard complicates the timeline, as it suggests potential shifts in strategy that could affect game availability.
Readers should be aware of these limitations and critically evaluate information from multiple sources before drawing conclusions. The gaming landscape can change rapidly, and staying informed through reliable channels is essential.
