No, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is Not on Game Pass – But That Could Change Soon for COD Fans

As an avid Call of Duty player and Xbox gamer, it‘s a question I‘ve been asked a lot recently: "Is Black Ops 3 on Game Pass?" While I wish I could respond affirmatively, the answer is unfortunately no. The hugely popular 2015 entry featuring the series‘ coveted zombies mode is not currently included with an Xbox Game Pass membership. However, some major gaming industry shakeups could change that reality for Call of Duty fans sooner rather than later by bringing Black Ops 3 and other franchise titles to Microsoft‘s Netflix-style games subscription service.

Microsoft Plans to Add Call of Duty to Game Pass

When Microsoft announced plans to acquire Activision Blizzard for nearly $69 billion, ripples were immediately felt across the gaming landscape. And Xbox head Phil Spencer quickly informed fans that the tech giant "intends to make Activision Blizzard‘s much-loved library of games – including Overwatch, Diablo and Call of Duty – available in Game Pass."

While specifics around Xbox‘s Game Pass strategy for Call of Duty are scarce, Spencer‘s comments strongly suggest subscribers could expect newer franchise releases to be added over time post-merger. What they didn‘t clarify is whether Xbox would also give a Game Pass boost to aging – but still beloved – series entries like Black Ops 3 as well.

The Case for Bringing Black Ops 3 to Game Pass

For zombie mode diehards like myself, few Call of Duty games can compete with the quality and quantity of content found in Black Ops 3‘s expansive undead catalog. Considering Treyarch‘s popular maps and Easter eggs remain highly replayable over half a decade later, there‘s still a passionate audience engaged daily across console and PC platforms:

Player count data via ActivePlayer.io

Exposure on Game Pass could tap into nostalgia and further boost engagement from subscription members. And for patient solo Easter egg hunters still hoping to defeat the intense Shadows of Evil boss fight, an influx of new public matchmaking teammates would be welcomed!

Current Black Ops 3 Purchase Details

For those still looking to grab Black Ops 3 today, here‘s a quick price breakdown across platforms:

The game receives deep discounts a few times per year, especially around the holidays. And the Zombies Chronicles edition including bonus zombie maps and cosmetic DLC usually goes for $20 more.

What Does the Future Hold for Call of Duty on Game Pass?

If Microsoft‘s blockbuster Activision Blizzard merger successfully closes within its stated June 2023 timeline after receiving final regulatory approval, significant change could come quickly. Industry analysts predict new Call of Duty releases landing on Xbox Game Pass the same day they launch in stores is extremely likely.

But what about giving a Game Pass boost to aging library titles like Black Ops 3? Several insiders suggest Xbox wouldn‘t rule out adding fan favorite back catalog entries over time to further boost engagement and subsidize DLC purchases. However, solid revenue streams tied to full-game purchases would need to be weighed given Call of Duty consistently dominates annual best-seller charts.

Ultimately, while details remain uncertain, the odds of long-waiting zombie fans like myself finally getting an overdue Game Pass surprise in Black Ops 3 seem higher than ever following Microsoft‘s seismic industry shakeup. And Xbox consumers hungry for gaming content stand to benefit big time judging by Phil Spencer‘s Game Pass commitments around one of gaming‘s most legendary franchises in Call of Duty.

Stay tuned here as I look forward to sharing the moment Xbox updates start emerging! Happy hunting, and watch those sixes.