Black Ops 6 Breaks PlayStation’s 9 Years Reign: Xbox Emerges Victorious

For the first time since 2014, an entry in the Call of Duty franchise is being played more on Xbox than on PlayStation. In a recent interview with Game File (noted by GR), Xbox head Phil Spencer revealed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has shifted the balance, becoming the most-played Call of Duty title on Xbox.

While exact player numbers were not disclosed, many predict that its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass from day one is the primary reason for this change. This strategy has made the game accessible to millions of Xbox users at no additional cost, enticing both new and returning players to dive in. Developer Treyarch previously acknowledged that Black Ops 6’s Game Pass availability re-engaged many lapsed Call of Duty fans. Although PlayStation players may have purchased the game outright in higher numbers, the overall player count on Xbox remains notably larger.

Platform Popularity Timeline

• 2014: Advanced Warfare (Xbox > Playstation)
• 2015-2023: Black Ops 3, Infinite Warfare, WWII, Black Ops 4, Modern Warfare, Black Ops Cold War, Vanguard, Modern Warfare 2, Modern Warfare 3 (Playstation > Xbox)
• 2024: Black Ops 6 (Xbox > Playstation)

The positive reception to Black Ops 6 has also contributed to its success. Critics have rated the game higher than most recent installments, with many citing it as the best entry since the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot.