How Much Did Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Make?
Call of Duty: Black Ops II is estimated to have generated a staggering $2.75 billion in lifetime revenue. This figure encompasses sales of the game itself, as well as downloadable content (DLC), microtransactions, and other related revenue streams throughout its lifespan. Released in 2012, Black Ops II cemented its place as one of the most financially successful entries in the Call of Duty franchise.
Black Ops 2: A Commercial Juggernaut
The enormous success of Black Ops II wasn’t a fluke. The game built upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, the original Black Ops, and offered an engaging experience across its campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies modes. The game’s first 24 hours on sale alone generated over $500 million, showcasing its immediate popularity. This explosive launch was just the beginning of its long-term financial dominance.
Initial Sales and Revenue Milestones
The game’s financial journey was marked by several key milestones:
- Within its first month, Black Ops II sold 7.5 million copies in the U.S., becoming the top-grossing game for November 2012.
- By December 22, 2012, worldwide revenue for Black Ops exceeded $1 billion. This achievement highlighted the global appeal of the game and its capacity to generate substantial revenue across different markets.
- The game ultimately sold an estimated 29 million copies worldwide, demonstrating its huge player base and consistent appeal over time.
Factors Contributing to Its Financial Success
Several factors contributed to the game’s financial prowess:
- Strong Gameplay: Black Ops II was praised for its gameplay across all modes. The multiplayer was considered balanced, the campaign had a compelling story, and the Zombies mode provided a highly engaging co-op experience.
- Compelling Narrative: The game featured a dual-timeline narrative, with the main story taking place in 2025 and flashbacks to the 1980s, which gave the campaign an epic feel. The villain, Raul Menendez, is considered one of the franchise’s best.
- Popular Modes: The inclusion of the popular Zombie mode with various maps and features extended the game’s replayability and further drove engagement and thus spending.
- Consistent Fanbase: The Call of Duty franchise had already built a large and loyal fanbase. Black Ops II benefited from this pre-existing community that was eager to engage with new entries.
Comparing Black Ops 2 to other COD Titles
While Black Ops II performed exceptionally well, it’s worth noting how it stacked up against other Call of Duty titles. For example, the original Black Ops is often cited as the best-selling Call of Duty title, with approximately 31 million copies sold. However, while it is thought to have sold more physical units, Black Ops 2 is reported to have made over $1 billion more than the original in revenue.
In comparison, some reports state Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) also surpassed $1 billion. The franchise continues to be a huge moneymaker. Call of Duty: WWII, for instance, generated $500 million in revenue within its first three days of release and went on to exceed $1 billion by the end of 2017. These figures highlight the consistent popularity and commercial success of the Call of Duty franchise as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Call of Duty: Black Ops II to provide further insight into the game’s impact and legacy:
1. How Many Copies Did Black Ops 2 Sell?
Black Ops 2 is estimated to have sold 29 million copies worldwide throughout its lifetime.
2. When Was Black Ops 2 Released?
Call of Duty: Black Ops II was released on November 13, 2012.
3. What Platform is Black Ops 2 On?
Black Ops II was released on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U, and PC.
4. What Are Some of the Key Features of Black Ops 2?
Key features include a dual-timeline single-player campaign, a robust multiplayer mode, and the popular Zombies mode. It also featured Strike Force Missions, although these received a mixed reception.
5. Was Black Ops 2 a Critical Success?
Yes, Black Ops 2 received mostly positive reviews from critics. The gameplay, story, multiplayer, and Zombies mode were all praised.
6. Who is the Main Villain in Black Ops 2?
The primary antagonist is Raul Menendez, a Nicaraguan terrorist considered by many to be one of the best villains in the Call of Duty franchise.
7. Is Black Ops 2 Part of the Black Ops Series?
Yes, Black Ops 2 is the direct sequel to the original Call of Duty: Black Ops.
8. Why is Black Ops 2 Still Priced at $60?
The price of older Call of Duty titles, including Black Ops 2, remains high because publishers decide to maintain the price tag, likely due to continued demand and digital sales.
9. What is Considered the Canon Ending for Black Ops 2?
The canon ending is the one in which Cordis Die supporters launch a global insurrection, resulting in widespread anarchy. This ending sets the stage for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
10. When Was Black Ops 2 Most Popular?
Black Ops 2 reached peak popularity in its initial months after release. It was the highest-grossing game of November 2012 in the US and achieved over $1 billion by the end of December.
11. Is Black Ops 2 Available on Modern Consoles?
No, Black Ops 2 is not directly playable on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X/S, except through backward compatibility on Xbox.
12. Is There Going to be a Black Ops 2 Remaster?
There is speculation and demand for a Black Ops 2 remaster, but no official announcement has been made yet. However, rumors suggest a Black Ops 2 remaster may appear in the new Call of Duty Cycle moving forward.
13. What Time Period Does Black Ops 2 Take Place In?
The single-player campaign features two connected storylines: one set in the late 1980s during the Cold War and another set in 2025 during a Second Cold War.
14. Who is the CIA Mole in Black Ops 2?
Hudson is revealed to be the CIA mole in Black Ops 2, manipulated by Menendez into leading Mason and Woods into a trap.
15. What Other Call of Duty Games Have Been Highly Successful?
Other highly successful Call of Duty games include the original Black Ops, Modern Warfare 2 (2009), Modern Warfare (2019), and Call of Duty: WWII. These titles, along with many others in the franchise, have demonstrated the series’ consistent popularity and high sales figures.
Conclusion
Call of Duty: Black Ops II’s impressive $2.75 billion revenue solidifies its place as one of the most commercially successful games in the franchise. It is a testament to the game’s engaging gameplay, compelling story, and popular modes that it has been able to achieve such massive sales and continue to be popular with players today. The game continues to be discussed and debated in the community, a hallmark of a truly iconic video game release. Its legacy endures as a benchmark for future Call of Duty games and an example of the enduring power of a well-executed gaming experience.