Highlights
- The Call of Duty franchise has been incredibly popular since its release in 2003, with old games still being popular to this day.
- Recently, classic Call of Duty titles have seen a resurgence in player numbers after Microsoft allegedly helped fix matchmaking issues. Microsoft's potential acquisition of Activision Blizzard could further boost the franchise through Xbox Game Pass.
- If Microsoft's Activision Blizzard purchase is successful, several Call of Duty games could be added to Xbox Game Pass, allowing players both old and new to experience these classics for a low monthly price.
The Call of Duty franchise has been one of the biggest names in the FPS genre since its inception, and that does not seem like it will change anytime soon. It has been going strong since 2003, and every single year millions of players flock to whatever Activision releases next. This consistent release schedule and the fast-paced gameplay has helped Call of Duty become one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time. Not only are the newest games incredibly popular, but the classics are also still played to this day, and that is fascinating to see.
Recently, many of the classic Call of Duty titles have had a resurgence in player numbers after Microsoft allegedly helped fix various matchmaking issues. This has breathed new life into some of the most iconic FPS games, and Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard could keep that momentum going. Using Xbox Game Pass, the entire Call of Duty franchise could enter the spotlight again if given the chance. New and old players alike could experience where the series came from, and Call of Duty would be better for it.
Xbox Game Pass Could Breathe New Life into Call of Duty
Activision has been releasing yearly Call of Duty games since 2005 through three different development studios. Usually, the franchise alternates between developers and each title only gets a year of content before it is replaced by the next game. While this model helps keep the attention on the newest games, it also means that there is a treasure trove of FPS titles that have been left to gather dust. Some diehard players will often revisit the classics, but most of the player base tends to move onto whatever comes next.
Recently, some Xbox players discovered that various Xbox 360 era Call of Duty games had their matchmaking problems fixed. Players could finally jump back into games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and 3 with almost no issue, and that led to a resurgence in players. While none of the games have reached the heights of the most recent entry, players have still been able to jump back in and experience these classics as if they had launched yesterday.
No one quite knows why Microsoft and Activision fixed the servers, but it happened at an interesting time. Microsoft is currently attempting to acquire Activision Blizzard which would give it control of the Call of Duty franchise. If the acquisition is approved, Microsoft will likely add Activision Blizzard games to Xbox Game Pass since that is the core of its business. That would include the Call of Duty franchise, and that could help these classic games get even more popular.
The Call of Duty matchmaking issues have been fixed just in time for an influx of players. Once these classic games get added to Xbox Game Pass, players will likely want to give them a shot. Older players will want to take a trip down memory lane while newer players may want to experience these classics for the first time. Instead of being forced to buy these games, players will just be able to jump onto Game Pass for a lot cheaper. They will be able to experience the riveting campaigns, the exciting side modes, the newly repaired multiplayer, and everything that the franchise has to offer for one low monthly price.
Microsoft is still fighting to acquire Activision Blizzard, but it currently seems likely that the deal will be approved. This will give the studio so many more iconic properties to work with, and Xbox Game Pass will likely become the home for most of them. Franchises like Call of Duty could find new life on the service if given the chance, and Microsoft will surely want to give it that chance.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will be available on November 10 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
