A recent Bloomberg report suggests that Microsoft estimated Game Pass may have resulted in a staggering $300 million in lost sales for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. It’s noted that 82% of copies were sold on the PlayStation 5, which does not feature the subscription.

Unlike platforms like Steam that provide real-time metrics, Game Pass remains obscure, relying on internal estimates like this for insight into its performance. The $300 million figure raised questions among industry insiders regarding sales accounting.

Despite ongoing skepticism, comparisons are being drawn with historical sales counts concerning piracy. There’s a narrative that with Game Pass’s revenue model, potential earnings from retail sales may be fading into obscurity, with Microsoft frequently making headlines for its mass layoffs and studio closures.

The IGN reported record sales for Black Ops 6, alongside a maximum surge in Game Pass subscriptions on launch day, emphasizing the disparity between subscription-driven revenue and traditional sales approaches. This report serves as a caution as Microsoft continues navigating the complexities of gaming economics.