~3 MIN
Intro
The internet has been buzzing with rumors about World of Warcraft potentially making its way to Xbox Game Pass, after a number of users reported receiving emails hinting at the inclusion of WoW and other major Activision Blizzard games in the subscription service. The email mentions WoW, Diablo IV, and Call of Duty, and even features a console icon alongside the usual PC icon—suggesting a possible console release.
One of the promo emails reads:
“Play Call of Duty, Diablo IV, World of Warcraft, and other major Activision Blizzard hits with Game Pass!”
“Ready to set sail? The Pirate Storm has returned to World of Warcraft for a limited time, offering new rewards to claim!”
— Promo email.
This news has sparked discussions across Reddit, X, and Blizzard forums. with players sharing their excitement and skepticism.
However, in a recent update, the official Xbox Game Pass account clarified that the inclusion of WoW in these emails was an error. So, is WoW really coming to Xbox Game Pass?
On the one hand, this could simply be an accidental mix-up in the promotional material, as Activision Blizzard is now part of Microsoft. Xbox frequently shares news on upcoming updates and new releases, and WoW may have been mistakenly included in the list alongside other Game Pass titles.
On the other hand, this could be a subtle hint towards a future announcement about WoW joining Game Pass. Though it might seem unlikely, it’s still a possibility, especially considering the game’s potential for partial console integration, such as through the Plunderstorm mode, which could work well with a controller.
Community Reaction
The community’s response to these rumors has been mixed. Some players remain skeptical, questioning the logic of adding a subscription-based game like WoW to a service that itself requires a subscription, while others speculate that Game Pass might serve as a gateway to WoW’s existing launcher, similar to how League of Legends is currently offered within the service.
There are optimists, too, who see this as a way to attract new players and reduce churn by bundling the game with other services. They believe Microsoft’s financial backing and Game Pass’s expanding ecosystem could help make the transition a success.
Conclusion
While the thought of WoW joining Xbox Game Pass excites many, it’s crucial to remain cautious. While there are definite potential benefits, like reaching new players and consolidating costs, important details—such as how expansions and pricing models would work on the platform—are still unclear. It’s also possible that Blizzard may be intentionally creating hype with these misleading rumors.
Until an official announcement is made, it’s best to temper expectations and keep an eye on any updates regarding WoW’s potential future with Xbox Game Pass. Stay tuned as we continue to track this story!