Is Call of Duty Being Removed from PlayStation? The Definitive Answer
The short answer is no, Call of Duty is not being removed from PlayStation. Despite the monumental acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, a binding agreement between Microsoft and Sony ensures that the popular first-person shooter franchise will remain available on PlayStation consoles for the foreseeable future. This deal was a pivotal development following the merger, allaying fears of a potential exclusive shift to Xbox. The acquisition, a massive $69 billion deal, initially raised concerns within the gaming community about the future of the franchise on non-Xbox platforms. However, the agreement between the two tech giants provides PlayStation users with a continued experience with the Call of Duty series.
The Microsoft-Sony Agreement: Securing Call of Duty on PlayStation
The agreement between Microsoft and Sony is a crucial element in understanding the future of Call of Duty on PlayStation. It’s not just a casual understanding, but a binding agreement, which solidifies Microsoft’s commitment to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation consoles. This move was crucial for several reasons:
- Maintaining Player Base: Call of Duty boasts a massive player base on PlayStation. Removing it would have significant repercussions for both gamers and the overall market. This agreement allows PlayStation users to continue accessing and enjoying the game.
- Ensuring Fair Competition: The deal helps maintain a level playing field in the console market. Preventing exclusive access to popular games is critical for consumer choice and competition within the gaming industry.
- Addressing Regulatory Concerns: Regulators around the world scrutinized the Activision Blizzard merger, and this agreement likely contributed to the deal’s eventual approval by addressing concerns about market monopolies.
The specifics of the agreement were not entirely disclosed publicly. However, key elements are clear: Call of Duty will continue to be available on PlayStation, and players can expect future releases to follow suit. This deal ensures that PlayStation users will not be left behind as the Call of Duty franchise evolves.
Understanding the Changes: What’s Actually Happening?
While Call of Duty remains on PlayStation, it’s important to understand the nuanced changes occurring within the franchise and the broader gaming landscape.
- Microsoft Ownership: With Microsoft now owning Activision Blizzard, Call of Duty is now under their umbrella. While this might raise concerns of Xbox exclusivity for some, the agreement with Sony ensures that this will not be the case.
- Game Pass Integration: Although the games will remain available for sale on PlayStation, there will be no inclusion of the game within PlayStation Plus. Players who want to access the game through a subscription will have to do so through the Xbox Game Pass.
- Shift from Annual Releases?: There are indications that Call of Duty might be moving away from its traditional annual release cycle towards an “always-on” model, with a greater focus on live services and content updates.
- The Evolution of Warzone: While the original Call of Duty: Warzone (also known as Warzone Caldera) has been shut down, the newer Warzone 2 remains. However, there will not be a Warzone 3 iteration. The Warzone franchise has gone through numerous updates and revisions since the initial launch and will continue to be a free-to-play experience.
- Call of Duty Mobile and Warzone Mobile: Call of Duty Mobile will eventually be phased out, with players being pushed to Warzone Mobile as the primary mobile experience.
What’s Not Happening?
It is equally important to clarify what will not happen:
- No Exclusive Xbox Move: Call of Duty will not be an Xbox exclusive. PlayStation users will not lose access to the franchise.
- No Shut Down of COD Mobile: Despite rumours that Call of Duty Mobile will be shutting down, developers have clarified that it is here to stay for the time being, despite the future release and eventual phasing in of Warzone Mobile.
- Warzone 2 is Not Shutting Down: The newest rendition of the Warzone franchise will remain as an ongoing game and will not be shut down.
The landscape is shifting, but the core message remains: Call of Duty is here to stay on PlayStation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Call of Duty and PlayStation
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on the current situation:
Q1: Will Call of Duty be available on PlayStation after the Microsoft acquisition?
A: Yes, Call of Duty will remain available on PlayStation consoles due to a binding agreement between Microsoft and Sony.
Q2: Is the Microsoft deal going to make Call of Duty an Xbox exclusive?
A: No. Despite Microsoft owning Activision Blizzard, the agreement with Sony prevents Call of Duty from becoming an Xbox exclusive.
Q3: What happened to the original Call of Duty Warzone?
A: The original Call of Duty: Warzone (also known as Warzone Caldera) servers were shut down on September 21, 2023, to focus on future content, including Warzone 2.
Q4: Is Warzone 2 shutting down?
A: No, Warzone 2 is not shutting down. While it will not be evolving into a Warzone 3 iteration, the game will remain operational with updates and content.
Q5: Is Call of Duty Mobile shutting down?
A: No, Call of Duty Mobile is not being shut down. Although Warzone Mobile will eventually replace Call of Duty Mobile as the primary mobile experience, it is still operational.
Q6: Will I have to pay more for Call of Duty on PlayStation now?
A: No, Call of Duty will be sold at the regular price of $70 on PlayStation, just like before.
Q7: Does Xbox own Call of Duty now?
A: Yes, Microsoft owns Call of Duty after completing its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Q8: Will Call of Duty be on PlayStation Game Pass?
A: No, Call of Duty will not be part of PlayStation Plus. It may, however, be available on Xbox Game Pass.
Q9: Is there a new Call of Duty coming in 2024?
A: Yes, a new Call of Duty title is scheduled to be released in 2024 by developer Treyarch.
Q10: What is the most recent Call of Duty game?
A: The most recent title is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023).
Q11: Is Call of Duty losing popularity?
A: There was a decline in active users for some Call of Duty titles, including Warzone 1, in 2021. However, this does not mean the series as a whole is less popular.
Q12: Will Call of Duty stop releasing every year?
A: Call of Duty might be shifting from an annual release to an “always-on” model, with ongoing updates and live services, but will still be releasing titles each year.
Q13: Will there be a PS5 Slim version?
A: Yes, the PS5 Slim has launched in November, offering a smaller version of the standard console.
Q14: Why is Call of Duty Online shutting down?
A: Call of Duty Online is shutting down due to declining interest, with players being directed to Call of Duty: Mobile instead.
Q15: What is the future for Warzone?
A: Warzone continues as a free-to-play experience with Warzone 2. Future developments are aimed towards integrating ongoing content.
Conclusion: Call of Duty Remains a Multi-Platform Experience
In conclusion, Call of Duty is not being removed from PlayStation. The agreement between Microsoft and Sony ensures that the franchise will remain available on PlayStation consoles. While there are changes happening within the series, the core message remains that PlayStation users can continue to enjoy the Call of Duty series without fear of losing access. The gaming landscape is ever-evolving, but the commitment to multi-platform access for major titles like Call of Duty is a significant step towards ensuring a positive experience for gamers across all platforms.