Can I Play Call of Duty on Steam? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can play Call of Duty on Steam, but the availability of specific titles varies. After a period of exclusivity on Battle.net, Activision has brought some Call of Duty games back to Steam, starting with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022). Whether a particular Call of Duty title is available on Steam depends on when it was released and Activision’s distribution strategy at the time. This article will provide a detailed overview of Call of Duty’s presence on Steam, addressing common questions and clarifying any confusion surrounding the topic.
Call of Duty’s Journey on Steam: A Brief History
The relationship between Call of Duty and Steam has been a bit of a rollercoaster. For years, Call of Duty titles were a staple on Steam, offering players a convenient way to access the popular franchise. However, in 2018, Activision made the strategic decision to make Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and subsequent titles exclusive to its own Battle.net launcher on PC. This move aimed to consolidate its user base and promote its own platform.
The exclusivity lasted until 2022 when Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II marked the series’ return to Steam. This return was a significant event for many PC gamers who preferred the Steam ecosystem. Since then, newer titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) have also been released on Steam alongside Battle.net.
Determining Which Call of Duty Games are on Steam
To determine if a specific Call of Duty game is available on Steam, the best approach is to check the Steam store directly. Search for the game title and see if it appears in the search results. Here’s a general guideline:
- Pre-2018 Titles: Many Call of Duty games released before 2018, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Call of Duty: World at War, and Call of Duty: WWII, are typically available on Steam.
- 2018-2022 Titles: Games released during this period, notably Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, were initially exclusive to Battle.net. Check Steam to see if any of these older titles have been added retroactively.
- Post-2022 Titles: Newer releases like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III are available on both Steam and Battle.net.
Why the Shift? Understanding Activision’s Distribution Strategy
Activision’s distribution strategy has evolved over time, driven by various factors. The initial move to Battle.net was an attempt to build its own ecosystem and potentially increase revenue by avoiding Steam’s cut of sales. However, the decision was met with mixed reactions from the community, as many players preferred the convenience and features of Steam. The return to Steam in 2022 suggests a recognition of the platform’s importance and the desire to reach a wider audience. These distribution strategies can be related to the game’s business aspects, and are topics studied by the Games Learning Society and accessible at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Linking Your Activision Account to Steam
To play Call of Duty on Steam, you’ll typically need to link your Activision account to your Steam account. This allows for cross-progression and crossplay with players on other platforms. The process is usually straightforward:
- Launch the Call of Duty game on Steam.
- Follow the prompts to log in to your Activision account or create a new one if you don’t already have one.
- The game will then link your Activision account to your Steam account.
Potential Issues and Solutions
While the process is generally smooth, some users may encounter issues. Here are a few common problems and potential solutions:
- Account Linking Problems: Ensure that you’re using the correct login credentials for both your Steam and Activision accounts. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the password recovery options on each platform.
- Game Not Launching: Verify the integrity of the game files through Steam. Right-click on the game in your library, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Verify integrity of game files.”
- Performance Issues: Update your graphics drivers and ensure that your system meets the game’s minimum requirements.
FAQs: Your Call of Duty on Steam Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Call of Duty’s presence on Steam:
1. Is Call of Duty: Warzone available on Steam?
Yes, Call of Duty: Warzone is available on Steam. You can download and play it for free, provided you have a Steam account.
2. Why was Call of Duty not on Steam for a while?
Activision decided to make Call of Duty exclusive to Battle.net to promote its own platform and build a direct relationship with players.
3. Can I transfer my Call of Duty progress from Battle.net to Steam?
Yes, with the introduction of cross-progression, your progress, unlocks, and purchases are generally linked to your Activision account, which can be used on both Battle.net and Steam.
4. Are all Call of Duty games on Steam now?
No, not all Call of Duty games are on Steam. Availability depends on the release date and Activision’s distribution decisions.
5. Do I need an Activision account to play Call of Duty on Steam?
Yes, an Activision account is required to play Call of Duty on Steam, as it enables crossplay and cross-progression.
6. Can I refund a Call of Duty game on Steam?
Yes, you can refund a Call of Duty game on Steam if you request the refund within 14 days of purchase and have played the game for less than 2 hours.
7. What was the last Call of Duty game before the return to Steam?
The last Call of Duty game on Steam before the return was Call of Duty: WWII (2017).
8. Is Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 on Steam?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 was notably absent from Steam upon its initial release and was exclusive to Battle.net. Check Steam to see if it has been added retroactively.
9. How does buying Call of Duty on Steam work?
You purchase the game through Steam, and it’s added to your Steam library. You can then download and launch the game through the Steam client.
10. Is it safe to buy Steam accounts for Call of Duty?
No, buying Steam accounts is not safe and violates Steam’s terms of service. You risk losing access to the account and any games purchased with it.
11. Why are older Call of Duty games still expensive on Steam?
Activision’s pricing strategy keeps the prices of older Call of Duty games relatively high, likely due to continued demand and perceived value.
12. Is Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War on Steam?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is available on Steam.
13. Will future Call of Duty games be on Steam?
Recent releases such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III have been on Steam, but Activision’s future plans may change. Keep an eye on their announcements.
14. Do I need Battle.net to play Call of Duty on Steam?
No, you do not need Battle.net to play Call of Duty on Steam, but you do need an Activision account linked to your Steam account.
15. What happens if I’m banned from Call of Duty on one platform?
If you are banned from Call of Duty on one platform, the ban usually applies to your Activision account, meaning you may be banned from playing on other platforms as well.
Conclusion: Enjoying Call of Duty on Steam
Playing Call of Duty on Steam offers a convenient and integrated experience for PC gamers. While not every title is available on Steam, Activision has shown a willingness to embrace the platform, providing players with more options for accessing their favorite games. By understanding the history, requirements, and potential issues, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable Call of Duty experience on Steam. The gaming world is ever-evolving, and understanding the business decisions, technology, and player experience is crucial for enthusiasts.