Microsoft has once again pulled its $1 Xbox Game Pass trial, this time just ahead of the highly anticipated release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 on October 25. The removal of the 14-day trial means that new subscribers now need to pay $19.99 for a monthly Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which is the only tier offering access to the new Call of Duty at launch. This move is seen as a way to protect sales of Call of Duty, a franchise that traditionally sells over 20 million copies per release.

Microsoft previously paused the $1 trial before major game releases like Starfield, and its removal is likely a strategy to maximize revenue from full subscriptions and game sales. The trial had been reduced from a month to 14 days earlier this year, showing Microsoft’s evolving approach to its promotional offerings as it integrates major franchises like Call of Duty into its Game Pass ecosystem.

Along with this move, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be a notable first for Xbox Cloud Gaming, as it will debut on the cloud platform, offering gamers another way to access the title.