KEY POINTS

  • "WoW" might get included in the Xbox Game Pass
  • The Game Pass will let more players across the world play "World of Warcraft"
  • This rumor is in-line with Microsoft's intent to make games more accessible

Rumors and speculations regarding possible changes to “World of Warcraft’s” pricing structure have been circulating on the internet following Activision Blizzard’s recent acquisition by Microsoft.

Ever since it was released, Blizzard’s titanic MMO had always required a direct purchase as well as a monthly subscription just so players can actually log into the game. However, this could possibly change in the next few months following the big purchase that Microsoft made on Jan. 18.

There have been plenty of rumors of “World of Warcraft” going F2P over the years, but the recent acquisition has left many gamers thinking about one question: “Will 'World of Warcraft' be added to the Xbox Game Pass?”

The Game Pass has been making strides in the gaming community as the most accessible way to play world-class games without spending too much money. A subscription only costs around $10 to $15 per month depending on the plan, and this will give subscribers access to all of the games that the service has to offer.

World of Warcraft Legion
The dungeon Halls of Valor in "World of Warcraft: Legion" is inspired by Valhalla and set above Stormheim. Blizzard Entertainment

Seeing Activision Blizzard games on the Game Pass is inevitable at this point. All 30 of Bethesda’s games have been added to the subscription service ever since the company was acquired by Microsoft last year, and the same is likely to happen to Activision Blizzard’s titles.

“World of Warcraft” may not become completely free-to-play, but it’s possible that Microsoft will add the MMO to the Xbox Game pass for virtually no added cost on the players’ side. This move goes hand-in-hand with the “gaming for everyone” approach that Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer mentioned in a blog post following the acquisition.

Rumors aside, moving “WoW” to the Game Pass can be a huge move in terms of restoring the overall player population, which has been continuously dwindling over the past few years. Many veteran players have stopped playing the game out of spite for how Blizzard has been approaching game design and balancing.

While a simple transition to the Game Pass won’t solve “WoW’s” many issues, it will at least breathe some life back into the game and give many gamers around the world a chance to actually experience the MMO that changed gaming forever.

RELATED STORIES