A new rumor is gaining traction within the gaming community, suggesting that Call of Duty: Vanguard could soon be added to Xbox Game Pass. While there has been no official confirmation from Microsoft, the speculation is based on a recent discovery that has caught the attention of players closely tracking Game Pass additions.
PC Listing Sparks Speculation
The rumor originated from a Reddit user who noticed that Call of Duty: Vanguard had appeared with an Xbox PC listing—something that was not previously the case. Historically, the game had only been available as a console listing on the Microsoft Store. This sudden change has led many to believe that a Game Pass release could be imminent, particularly for PC subscribers.
While such backend changes do not guarantee an official rollout, they have often preceded announcements in the past. As a result, the community is watching closely for any confirmation or additional signs pointing toward an official release.
Game Pass and Call of Duty: A Growing Relationship
Since Microsoft completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the integration of Call of Duty titles into Xbox Game Pass has accelerated. More recent entries, including Modern Warfare 3, have already joined the service, while Black Ops 6 notably launched as a day-one Game Pass title.
Older titles have also been gradually added, reinforcing Microsoft’s strategy of using Game Pass to expand access to major franchises. If Vanguard joins the lineup, it would further strengthen the service’s already extensive shooter catalog.
Revisiting Vanguard’s Legacy
Originally released in November 2021 and developed by Sledgehammer Games, Call of Duty: Vanguard returned players to a World War II setting. The game follows a group of multinational soldiers forming an early special forces unit, with missions spanning across multiple theaters of war including the Pacific, Eastern Front, North Africa, and Western Europe.
Despite its ambitious scope, Vanguard received a mixed reception at launch. Critics and players pointed to issues with its campaign pacing, multiplayer server stability, and weapon balancing. While it maintained the core Call of Duty gameplay loop, it struggled to stand out in a franchise known for frequent innovation and high expectations.
Business Concerns Around Game Pass
While excitement around a potential Game Pass addition is high, there are underlying concerns about the long-term sustainability of adding major titles like Call of Duty to the service. Reports have suggested that Microsoft may be reconsidering its strategy for future releases, particularly around 2026.
Internal discussions have reportedly highlighted the financial impact of including high-value franchises in a subscription model. There are suggestions that Microsoft could shift toward a more flexible approach, potentially limiting day-one releases or adjusting pricing structures to maintain profitability.
These concerns have been further fueled by mentions of internal communications attributed to Microsoft leadership, though no official changes have been announced at this time.
What Happens Next?
For now, Call of Duty: Vanguard joining Xbox Game Pass remains a rumor. However, the PC listing discovery adds credibility to the speculation and aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to expand its Game Pass library with high-profile titles.
Until an official announcement is made, players should treat the information cautiously. If confirmed, the addition would provide another opportunity for players to revisit—or experience for the first time—a controversial but content-rich entry in the Call of Duty franchise.
Enjoy our updates? You can add GamingHQ as a preferred source in Google Search to see our articles more often.
