The official Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 beta dates have been announced, offering players an early look at the highly anticipated game. Early access for those who pre-order begins on August 30 and runs through September 4. Following this period, an open beta for all players will commence on September 6 and conclude on September 9. The beta will start each day at 10 am PT / 1 pm ET / 6 pm BT.
This beta marks a significant departure from past Call of Duty releases due to recent changes in the gaming landscape, notably Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision. It will be the first time a Call of Duty beta occurs simultaneously across all platforms, breaking the tradition of PlayStation receiving exclusivity for early access.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers will also have access to the early access beta, aligning with pre-order benefits. However, specific conditions apply, as highlighted on the Call of Duty blog, stating that Game Pass Core may be necessary for multiplayer beta access on consoles.
Amidst these developments, Xbox has announced adjustments to its Game Pass subscription model, including price increases and restructuring of tiers. These changes have sparked discussions within the gaming community, particularly among indie developers who emphasize the platform’s importance despite the evolving subscription landscape.
The Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 beta promises an inclusive early access period and open beta for players across all platforms, reflecting broader shifts in the industry following recent acquisitions and subscription model adjustments by major gaming platforms.