Highlights
The Call of Duty franchise has been incredibly popular since its release in 2003, with old games still being popular to this day.
Following reports of Microsoft's intervention in resolving matchmaking problems, classic Call of Duty games have witnessed a remarkable resurgence in player counts. The potential acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has the potential to amplify the franchise's popularity even further by integrating it into Xbox Game Pass. If the purchase is successful, numerous Call of Duty titles could be included in the Game Pass, granting both new and veteran players the opportunity to relish these iconic games at an affordable monthly fee.
The Call of Duty franchise, a leading name in the FPS genre since its launch, shows no signs of losing its popularity. With a consistent release schedule and fast-paced gameplay, it has become one of the best-selling video game franchises in history. Both the latest games and the classics continue to attract millions of players, creating a remarkable gaming phenomenon.
Recently, several of the classic Call of Duty titles have experienced a resurgence in player numbers, potentially due to Microsoft's assistance in fixing matchmaking issues. This injection of new interest has revitalized these iconic FPS games, and Microsoft's recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard could further enhance their momentum. With the possibility of the entire Call of Duty franchise entering the spotlight through Xbox Game Pass, both new and longtime players would have the opportunity to delve into the series' origins. This would undoubtedly contribute to the overall enrichment of the Call of Duty experience.
Xbox Game Pass Could Breathe New Life into Call of Duty
Activision has been releasing annual Call of Duty games since 2005, working with three different development studios. Typically, the franchise switches between developers each year, resulting in only one year of content for each game before it is replaced. While this approach keeps the focus on the latest games, it also means that a valuable collection of FPS titles has been neglected. Although some dedicated players revisit the old favorites, the majority of the player base moves on to the next release.
Recently, Xbox players have noticed that matchmaking issues in various Call of Duty games from the Xbox 360 era have been resolved. This discovery allowed players to easily dive back into games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and 3, leading to a resurgence in player numbers. While these games haven't reached the same level of popularity as the most recent installment, players have been able to revisit and enjoy these classics as if they were just released.
The reason behind the server fixes by Microsoft and Activision remains unknown, but it occurred at an intriguing moment. Presently, Microsoft is actively pursuing the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a move that would grant it control over the Call of Duty franchise. If the acquisition is approved, Microsoft is likely to incorporate Activision Blizzard games into Xbox Game Pass, as it aligns with their core business. This would encompass the Call of Duty franchise and potentially contribute to its increased popularity.
Fortunately, the Call of Duty matchmaking issues have been resolved just in time for an anticipated surge in player activity. With the inclusion of these classic games in Xbox Game Pass, players are likely to be enticed to try them out. Established players may find nostalgia in revisiting these games, while newer players could have their first experience with these renowned titles. Rather than needing to purchase the games individually, players can simply access them through Game Pass at a significantly lower cost. This subscription service offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the captivating campaigns, engaging side modes, recently repaired multiplayer experience, and everything else the franchise has to offer — all within a single monthly fee.
Microsoft is currently in the midst of its efforts to acquire Activision Blizzard, and it appears highly probable that the deal will receive approval. This acquisition will provide the studio with a plethora of renowned properties to harness creatively, with a strong possibility of Xbox Game Pass becoming the primary platform for these offerings. Should the opportunity arise, franchises like Call of Duty could experience a revival on this service, and Microsoft is undoubtedly keen to grant it that opportunity.
Mark your calendars, for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will be launching on November 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.