Recent Developments in the Call of Duty Franchise
- Black Ops 2 has made a surprise entry onto the Microsoft Store for PC, adding to the collection of available titles.
- Numerous classic Call of Duty games, including Modern Warfare 4, Ghosts, and Advanced Warfare, have also recently appeared on the storefront.
- Fans are eagerly anticipating a broader rollout of classic titles on Xbox Game Pass.
Call of Duty enthusiasts are buzzing with rumors about the potential arrival of iconic titles like Black Ops 2 and the original Modern Warfare to Xbox Game Pass in the near future. Following the recent listing of various entries from the franchise—such as Advanced Warfare, Ghosts, and Black Ops 3—Black Ops 2 has become the latest game to be unexpectedly featured on the Microsoft Store for PC.
In a landmark moment for the gaming industry, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard gained approval from relevant regulatory bodies in October 2023, making it the largest takeover in the history of gaming. This acquisition allows Microsoft to include extensive properties under its wing, ranging from Call of Duty to beloved franchises like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and Diablo. The pivotal question lingering among fans post-acquisition is whether Microsoft will strategically add older Call of Duty titles to the highly sought-after Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The recent addition of classic games to the Microsoft Store seems to fuel speculation about an impending Game Pass expansion.
Now Featuring: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 on Microsoft Store for PC
The momentum continues with the availability of more recent titles, such as 2023’s Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops 6, already accessible through Xbox Game Pass, with the latter being a significant day-one launch. The emergence of Black Ops 2 on the Microsoft Store ignites further excitement as fans contemplate the return of earlier franchise entries. Although there has been no formal announcement from Activision or Microsoft regarding Game Pass releases for older titles, the unexplained arrival of these games has provoked a wave of enthusiasm among fans.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II is now on the Microsoft Store PC / PC Xbox app. Still no news on Game Pass release, though. pic.twitter.com/h07gyvca92 — CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) December 19, 2024
As Black Ops 2 joins the ranks of other notable titles—including the complete Modern Warfare trilogy, Advanced Warfare, and Ghosts—the potential for further classic games is promising. However, titles like the original Black Ops and World at War remain absent. While Call of Duty entries such as Black Ops 4, Black Ops Cold War, and Vanguard are currently not part of the lineup, fans are still hopeful for the inclusion of classic games, particularly given the recent trend.
Following the successful launch of Black Ops 6 on Game Pass, Microsoft and Activision are surveying the aftermath, which reportedly resulted in unprecedented player engagement. According to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Black Ops 6 set a new record for day-one players, coinciding with a surge in new subscribers to Xbox Game Pass. As the dust settles, the gaming community eagerly awaits to see if this success translates into bringing additional Call of Duty titles to the expansive Game Pass library.