Xbox Game Pass subscribers got an unexpected surprise this week when an official advertisement briefly displayed the 2009 version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, a title that has never actually been available on the subscription service. The discovery has reignited speculation about Microsoft’s plans to bring classic Call of Duty titles to Game Pass following their acquisition of Activision.
The Mysterious Ad That Started It All
A sharp-eyed Reddit user posted evidence of the peculiar advertisement in early November 2025, showing what appeared to be an official Xbox Game Pass Premium promotion featuring the original Modern Warfare 2 from 2009. The image looked legitimate and professional, leading many to believe it was either an intentional leak or an internal mistake that accidentally went public.
The confusion is understandable given that a different version of Modern Warfare 2, the 2022 reboot, is already available on Game Pass. Some observers suggest the ad might have been a simple mix-up between the two games, but the specificity of the imagery has fans convinced there’s more to the story.
A Long History of Rumors
This isn’t the first time rumors have circulated about the 2009 Modern Warfare 2 coming to Game Pass. Earlier in 2025, multiple gaming outlets including XboxEra and Insider Gaming reported that the classic shooter was planned for a March or April release on the subscription service. Those reports cited unnamed sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans, suggesting the company was working to restore and integrate older Call of Duty titles into Game Pass.
The leaker eXtas1s also teased a potential Modern Warfare 2 announcement back in April 2025, though that prediction ended up being about the wrong version of the game. Despite the false alarms, the persistence of these rumors indicates genuine internal discussions at Microsoft about bringing classic COD games to subscribers.
Why Classic COD Games Matter
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) remains one of the most beloved entries in the entire franchise. Its campaign featured memorable missions and controversial moments that sparked countless discussions, while its multiplayer mode set the standard for competitive shooters for years to come. Even more than 15 years after release, the game maintains a dedicated fanbase that continues to praise its balanced gameplay and iconic maps.
The challenge with older Call of Duty games has always been player population. As newer titles release annually, the older games gradually lose their active communities, making it difficult to find matches. Microsoft has reportedly addressed this by updating server infrastructure to improve matchmaking and reduce wait times for classic titles, paving the way for their eventual inclusion in Game Pass.
Microsoft’s Game Pass Strategy
Since completing the $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023, Microsoft has been steadily adding Call of Duty games to Game Pass. Modern Warfare 3 (2023) arrived in July 2024, followed by Black Ops 6 in October 2024 as the first day-one Game Pass release for the franchise. Most recently, Black Ops 7 launched on Game Pass on November 14, 2025, continuing the trend of making new COD titles available to subscribers immediately.
Adding classic titles like the original Modern Warfare 2 would complement this strategy by offering both nostalgia and variety. It would give new players a chance to experience the games that defined the series while providing veterans an opportunity to revisit their favorites without dealing with dead servers or high individual purchase prices.
What This Means for Subscribers
If the ad leak proves accurate, Game Pass subscribers could soon have access to one of the most influential shooters ever made. The question remains whether Microsoft will add the original 2009 version, the 2020 campaign remaster, or both. The campaign remaster received mixed reactions due to the absence of multiplayer, which many consider the game’s true legacy.
The timing of this leak is particularly interesting given that Microsoft recently raised prices for Game Pass Ultimate. Adding highly requested classic games could help justify the increased cost and retain subscribers who might be reconsidering their subscriptions. It would also demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to building a comprehensive library that spans gaming history rather than focusing solely on new releases.
The Bigger Picture
This potential addition is part of a larger pattern of Microsoft working to preserve and revitalize older Call of Duty games. Beyond just adding them to Game Pass, the company has reportedly invested in server updates and infrastructure improvements to ensure these classic titles remain playable. This preservation effort benefits the entire gaming community, not just Game Pass subscribers.
Other classic Call of Duty games could follow if Modern Warfare 2 does arrive on Game Pass. Titles like World at War, Black Ops 1, and the original Modern Warfare trilogy represent some of gaming’s most significant achievements and would be welcome additions to any subscription service.
FAQs
Is the original Modern Warfare 2 currently available on Game Pass?
No, the 2009 version of Modern Warfare 2 is not currently on Game Pass. Only the 2022 reboot is available. The recent ad appears to be either a leak of upcoming content or an error.
What’s the difference between the 2009 and 2022 versions of Modern Warfare 2?
The 2009 version is the original classic game that defined a generation of shooters. The 2022 version is a complete reboot with modern graphics, updated gameplay mechanics, and a different storyline, though it shares some character names and themes.
Will the multiplayer be included if the classic MW2 comes to Game Pass?
This remains unclear. If Microsoft adds the original 2009 version, it should include multiplayer. If they choose the 2020 campaign remaster instead, it would be single-player only, which disappointed many fans when it was originally released.
When might the original Modern Warfare 2 be added to Game Pass?
While the ad leak suggests it could be soon, Microsoft has not officially announced anything. Earlier rumors pointed to March or April 2025, which didn’t materialize, so the actual timeline remains uncertain.
What other classic Call of Duty games might come to Game Pass?
Fans have expressed interest in seeing titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, World at War, Black Ops 1 and 2, and Modern Warfare 3 (2011) added to the service. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision makes this possible, but no official announcements have been made.
Did Microsoft acquire Activision specifically to add COD games to Game Pass?
While Game Pass integration was certainly part of the strategy, Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard was about much more, including gaining valuable intellectual property, development talent, and a stronger position in the gaming industry.
Are the servers for older Call of Duty games still active?
Yes, but player populations are small, making it difficult to find matches. Microsoft has reportedly been working on server improvements to address this issue and make older titles more playable when they join Game Pass.
Conclusion
Whether this Game Pass ad leak was an intentional tease or an honest mistake, it has successfully reminded everyone why the original Modern Warfare 2 remains so beloved. The game represents a peak moment in Call of Duty history, and bringing it to Game Pass would allow a new generation to understand why it’s considered one of the greatest shooters ever made. For now, subscribers can only wait and hope that this accidental glimpse becomes official reality. Given Microsoft’s pattern of expanding the Call of Duty catalog on Game Pass and the persistent rumors throughout 2025, it seems less a question of if and more a question of when these classic games will finally arrive.