Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently shared impressive early numbers for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which has reportedly achieved the best launch in the series’ history and driven a notable surge in Game Pass subscribers.
While precise numbers are still forthcoming, Nadella described the release as the “biggest Call of Duty release ever.” Though he didn’t specify if this refers to copies sold or the number of online players, early indicators suggest Black Ops 6 has drawn in an unprecedented player base right from launch.
According to Nadella, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 also set a record for the most new Game Pass subscribers in a single day, hinting that a significant number of users are accessing the game through the Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Although this model might impact standalone game sales, Microsoft seems focused on expanding Game Pass subscriptions through high-profile titles like Black Ops 6, a strategy that appears to be working well.
In addition to its strong Game Pass performance, Black Ops 6 saw an impressive 60% increase in sales on PlayStation and Steam compared to last year’s launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. These early results reflect a highly successful launch period for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, with more details on its milestones expected in the days ahead.
Black Ops 6 was released on October 25, 2024, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.