In the gaming universe, anticipation and excitement swirl around the monthly Xbox Game Pass lineup, and the January 2024 edition is no exception. Microsoft’s subscription service has unveiled an array of stellar titles, with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Resident Evil 2 leading the charge. However, the absence of Call of Duty has left gamers yearning for the highly-anticipated arrival.
Game Pass, the revolutionary subscription service that grants gamers access to a dynamic collection of titles on Xbox and PC without the need for individual purchases, has been a game-changer in the industry. Yet, despite the palpable enthusiasm surrounding the latest additions, Xbox boss Phil Spencer’s earlier hints about the inclusion of Call of Duty games are notably absent from this month’s lineup.
Spencer previously shed light on the intricate regulatory processes linked to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, explaining the delayed integration of the publisher’s games into Game Pass. While enthusiasts eagerly awaited the swift addition of Call of Duty titles, Spencer clarified that the timeline for their inclusion would align with 2024, in contrast to the rapid integration of several Bethesda games shortly after the acquisition’s conclusion.
Nonetheless, the January lineup offers its own set of delights. Among the upcoming arrivals are Figment and We Happy Few, the latter marking a return to Game Pass after a hiatus last year. Below is the complete list of games slated for January, along with their respective release dates:
- Close to the Sun (cloud, console, and PC): January 3rd
- Hell Let Loose (cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X / S): January 4th
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (cloud, console, and PC): January 9th
- Figment (cloud, console, and PC): January 9th
- Super Mega Baseball 4 (cloud, console, and PC) EA Play: January 11th
- We Happy Few (cloud, console, and PC): January 11th
- Resident Evil 2 (cloud, console, and PC): January 16th
- Those Who Remain (cloud, console, and PC): January 16th
The departure of certain games from Game Pass this month adds an element of urgency. Grand Theft Auto V, a beloved title, is set to exit the platform on January 5th. Additionally, on January 15th, fans bidding farewell to Persona 4 Golden, Persona 3 Portable, Garden Story, and MotoGP 22 may want to make the most of their remaining playtime.
The absence of Call of Duty in this month’s roster hints at a potential delay in witnessing the franchise’s debut on Game Pass. Gamers are left eagerly awaiting the inclusion of other highly-anticipated Activision Blizzard titles, such as Diablo IV and the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.
As the gaming community navigates the highs and lows of this month’s Game Pass line up, the tantalizing prospect of Call of Duty’s imminent arrival keeps enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. While the wait continues, the current selection promises an exhilarating gaming experience, leaving players immersed in the captivating worlds crafted by the industry’s leading titles.
