Summary
It’s been 10 months since Microsoft acquired Activision-Blizzard, and there’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the deal. The last few months have brought with it a landslide of layoffs, both fromActivision-Blizzard studiosand from Xbox’s own first-party developers. While it does little to help those laid off, general gamers are at least starting to see some benefits from the most recent, most expensive Xbox acquisition, with some Activision games finally hittingXbox Game Pass.
When Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard first went through, many fans hoped that some of the latter’s back catalog would make its way toXbox Game Pass. Though it’s taken some time, that’s finally starting to happen, withDiablo 4opening the floodgates back in March. Since then, Activision’sCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3has been added to Xbox Game Pass, and more recently, theCrash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogyhas hit the subscription service. But there are plenty more Activision titles fans want on Game Pass.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
A natural follow-up to theCrash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogyhitting Xbox Game Pass,Spyro Reignited Trilogyshould be the next game added to the subscription service. Though Spyro the Dragon began life as a PlayStation mascot, he’s since appeared on just about every platform, and theSpyro Reignited Trilogycoming to Xbox Game Pass would be another clear reinforcement that Xbox wants to break down the barriers between the different console publishers.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2
A critically acclaimed remake,Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2is a must-haveActivision game for Xbox Game Pass. While fans will have already played more than their fill of this 2020 collection, many gamers have never tried theTony Hawk Pro Skaterfranchise, and Xbox Game Pass clears those barriers to entry.Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2is also one of the best-reviewed Activision games in recent years, so its launch on Game Pass would go a long way in making the recent acquisition feel a bit more worthwhile to general consumers.
Call of Duty
By far the most obvious pick,Call of Dutyfans are desperate to see more entries come to Xbox Game Pass, especially withCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3breaching open the floodgates a little while ago. It might be a wise idea for Xbox and Activision to start with the entries that will play a direct role in theupcomingCall of Duty: Black Ops 6’s story, such asCall of Duty: Black Ops 2and the more recentCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. But after that, many fans are expecting practically the entire franchise to hit Xbox Game Pass.
Prototype
One of the more overlookedActivision franchises,Prototypecould experience a lively resurgence if it was added to Xbox Game Pass. Released in 2009,Prototypeis a third-person action-adventure game that sees players take control of a shapeshifter with a mysterious past named Alex Mercer. The 2012 sequel wasn’t quite as well received but both games still have their shining moments, and both deserve a second shot in the spotlight that only Game Pass could provide.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Though it always has plenty of Soulslikes available, Xbox Game Pass is in desperate need of a proper FromSoftware addition, and the Activision-publishedSekiro: Shadows Die Twicewould be the perfect option. Distinct from itsDark SoulsandBloodbornepredecessors in a few key ways,Sekirois brutal but fair and features some of the most satisfying swordplay in any video game to date.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft’s flagship game subscription service that offers over 100 game titles that you’re able to play with a single purchase, making it one of the most outstanding value propositions of the Xbox ecosystem to date.
