Call of Duty Coming Day One to Game Pass, IGN Acquires Gamer Network

Real Time Strategy

Microsoft is betting big on Game Pass by adding Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to the service at launch. Kaitlyn and Sam discuss what this means for Microsoft’s publishing strategy, Xbox’s upcoming showcase, and the price of Game Pass. Then they break down how IGN Entertainment’s acquisition of Gamer Network affects games media.

Timecodes:

00:00:00 – Intro

00:03:37 – Assassin’s Creed Shadows Announced

00:06:40 – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Launching on Game Pass

00:11:03 – What Does This Mean for Call of Duty Sales?

00:17:51 – What Does This Mean for the Microsoft Showcase?

00:25:04 – Will Game Pass’ Price Increase?

00:33:45 – IGN Entertainment Acquires Gamer Network

00:50:34 – Outro

Stories discussed:

The Verge – Microsoft confirms Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is coming to Xbox Game Pass

Wall Street Journal – Microsoft Plans Boldest Games Bet Since Activision Deal, Changing How ‘Call of Duty’ Is Sold

GamesIndustry.biz – IGN Entertainment acquires Eurogamer, GI, VG247, Rock Paper Shotgun and more

Game Developer – IGN Entertainment buys GamesIndustry, RockPaperShotgun, other Gamer Network outlets

Game Developer – Reedpop looking to sell Eurogamer, GI.biz parent company Gamer Network

Video Games Industry Memo – IGN buys Gamer Network

Media discussed:

“Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler

Follow the podcast on Twitter and YouTube @RealTimeStrats, and email us questions at [e-mail]. Follow Kaitlyn and Sam on social media @KaitlynRedWing and @SamScotMosher respectively.