Xbox Game Pass Adds Call of Duty, EA Sports FC, and Tony Hawk

Microsoft has expanded its Xbox Game Pass subscription service with three major franchises—Call of Duty: Vanguard, EA Sports FC, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater—effective June 2026, according to verified reporting from 4gamers.be and Gameliner. The additions mark the first time Activision Blizzard and Electronic Arts titles have been included in Game Pass since Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, which gave Microsoft control over Call of Duty and EA Sports FC. The move signals a strategic shift toward consolidating gaming franchises under a single subscription model, potentially reshaping how players access premium multiplayer and sports titles.

Microsoft has not yet confirmed whether the inclusion is permanent or tied to a limited-time promotion, though both sources cite industry insiders who describe the change as a long-term addition to Game Pass’s library. Call of Duty: Vanguard, the latest entry in the long-running first-person shooter series, joins the service alongside Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2, a remastered compilation of the classic skateboarding games. EA Sports FC—the rebranded successor to FIFA—also makes its debut, offering players access to the latest iteration of the soccer simulation franchise.

The additions come as Microsoft continues to refine its Game Pass tiers, which now include Game Pass Ultimate (bundling Xbox Live Gold, EA Play, and premium games) and Game Pass Console Edition (focused on Xbox hardware exclusives). The inclusion of Call of Duty and EA Sports FC is particularly notable given their historical dominance in the multiplayer and sports genres, respectively. Industry analysts suggest this move could pressure competitors like PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online to either enhance their own libraries or risk losing subscribers to Game Pass’s growing roster.

Microsoft has not provided a timeline for when these titles will rotate out of Game Pass, though past rotations for other franchises have typically lasted between six and 12 months. The company’s aggressive expansion of Game Pass—now boasting over 35 million subscribers—reflects its broader strategy to compete with Sony’s PlayStation Plus and Nintendo’s subscription services. With Call of Duty: Vanguard already shipping in June 2026, players can expect these titles to be available shortly after their respective launches.

For developers and publishers, the inclusion of these franchises in Game Pass underscores Microsoft’s growing influence in the gaming ecosystem. The move also raises questions about how Activision Blizzard and EA will structure future releases, particularly as Microsoft’s ownership of Activision Blizzard continues to evolve. Meanwhile, players stand to benefit from consolidated access to some of gaming’s most popular franchises under a single subscription fee.

Why does this matter for subscribers?
Game Pass subscribers gain immediate access to three high-profile franchises without additional cost, a rare opportunity given the titles’ usual standalone pricing. Call of Duty: Vanguard alone typically retails for $70, while EA Sports FC and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 are priced similarly. The inclusion aligns with Microsoft’s push to position Game Pass as a one-stop solution for both casual and hardcore gamers, potentially accelerating its adoption among players who previously purchased these titles separately.

How does this compare to past Game Pass expansions?
Previous Game Pass additions have often included smaller indie titles or older franchises, but the inclusion of Call of Duty and EA Sports FC—both multi-billion-dollar series—represents a significant departure. In 2023, Microsoft added Starfield and Forza Horizon 5 to Game Pass, though those were first-party Xbox exclusives. The current expansion, however, brings in third-party franchises with massive player bases, a strategy that could set a precedent for future negotiations with other publishers.

What happens next?
Microsoft has not announced further details on Game Pass’s 2026 roadmap, but industry speculation suggests more high-profile titles could be added in the latter half of the year. Players should monitor official Xbox and Game Pass communications for updates on rotation schedules and potential new inclusions. For now, the addition of Call of Duty: Vanguard, EA Sports FC, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 offers a rare glimpse into Microsoft’s long-term vision for subscription gaming—and how it plans to compete with Sony and Nintendo in the years ahead.