Decoding the Price Tag: How Much Did Modern Warfare II Cost on Release Date?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
On its October 28, 2022, release date, the standard edition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II retailed for $70 across all platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. This marked a $10 price increase compared to previous installments in the franchise. A premium “Vault Edition” was also available for $99, offering additional in-game content and perks.
Modern Warfare II’s Pricing Controversy
The $70 price tag for Modern Warfare II was a point of contention among gamers. It wasn’t just the next-gen consoles that were seeing the price hike; even last-gen consoles (PS4 and Xbox One) were subject to the new pricing structure. The only way to purchase the game on these older consoles was through a $70 cross-gen bundle. This decision by Activision raised eyebrows and ignited discussions about the increasing costs of AAA video games.
The move signaled a shift in the industry, with Activision leading the charge in normalizing a higher price point for its flagship title. While some defended the increase, citing rising development costs and inflation, others felt it was a blatant cash grab, especially considering the game’s microtransaction model.
Editions and Their Value: Beyond the Standard Price
While the standard edition was the baseline entry point, Modern Warfare II offered other options that provided varying degrees of value.
The Vault Edition: What Did You Get for the Extra Money?
The Vault Edition, priced at $99, was designed to entice hardcore fans with a plethora of digital goodies. For the additional $30, players received:
- Ghost Legacy Pack: A collection of Ghost Operator skins for use in Warzone.
- Red Team 141 Operator Pack: Featuring Operator skins inspired by the iconic Task Force 141.
- FJX Cinder Weapon Vault: A special weapon blueprint with unique attachments and aesthetics.
- Battle Pass + 50 Tier Skips: A head start in the seasonal Battle Pass progression system.
- 10 Hours 2XP + 10 Hours 2WXP: Boosts to accelerate experience and weapon experience gains.
Pre-Order Bonuses: Rewarding Early Adopters
Pre-ordering any digital edition of Modern Warfare II granted players additional benefits, including:
- Early Access to the Open Beta: An opportunity to play the game before its official launch and provide feedback to the developers.
- Early Access to the Campaign: A week-long head start on the game’s single-player campaign.
- Final Judgement Bundle: Immediate access to the Final Judgement Bundle for use in Call of Duty: Vanguard and Call of Duty: Warzone. This included the Legendary “Deathknell” Operator Skin and the Legendary “Bloodthirsty” Weapon Blueprint.
The Launch Experience: Timing and Availability
The launch of Modern Warfare II was a staggered affair, with different regions and platforms gaining access at different times.
- Console Launch: Consoles saw a rolling launch, beginning at 4am PT (9pm PT on October 27th) with regions west of the United States, such as New Zealand. Xbox and PlayStation consoles in the United States unlocked at 9pm PT on October 27th (midnight ET on October 28th).
- PC Launch: The PC version of the game mirrored the console launch in the United States, unlocking at 9pm PT on October 27th (midnight ET on October 28th).
This staggered launch ensured that servers weren’t overwhelmed and allowed players worldwide to experience the game as close to simultaneously as possible.
Modern Warfare III: A New Chapter, a Similar Price?
Following the release of Modern Warfare II, Activision launched Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Activision has confirmed that Modern Warfare III is a full premium release and will be priced at $70.
FAQs: Unpacking the Pricing of Modern Warfare II
1. Was there a $60 version of Modern Warfare II?
No. Modern Warfare II’s cheapest edition was $70 across all platforms, including PC. Activision raised the price by $10 for all platforms. The Vault Edition was $99, but there was no $60 edition available.
2. What did you get with the $100 Vault Edition of Modern Warfare II?
The Vault Edition included the Ghost Legacy pack, Red Team 141 Operator pack, FJX Cinder Weapon Vault, Battle Pass + 50 Tier Skips, and 10 hours of 2XP + 10 hours of 2WXP.
3. How much does Modern Warfare III cost?
Activision confirmed that Modern Warfare III is a full premium release priced at $70.
4. How much was Modern Warfare II to pre-order?
Pre-orders were available for $70 from various retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop.
5. Was MW2 free on Xbox?
No. Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play game, and it does not require Game Pass or Xbox Live Gold. MW2 and its multiplayer component are not free. You needed to purchase them separately to access the single-player campaign or multiplayer mode.
6. Could you play MW2 at midnight on release day?
The release time varied by region. In the United States, the game launched at 9pm PT on October 27th, which translates to midnight ET on October 28th.
7. What time did Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer release?
On PlayStation and Xbox, Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer released at midnight local time, except in North America, where it launched everywhere once it hit midnight on the East Coast (9pm PT on the West Coast).
8. When could you play MW2 multiplayer if you pre-ordered?
The rollout concluded at 9pm PT on October 27th and midnight ET / 5am BST on October 28th, at which point multiplayer unlocked also on PC.
9. Could you pre-download MW2?
Yes, people who pre-ordered MW2 could pre-download the game before the release date.
10. How could you get early access to MW2?
Pre-ordering a digital edition of Modern Warfare 2 granted early campaign access. This provided a code that unlocked the portion of the game available to play early.
11. What time could you play MW2 on release day?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 launched globally at 12:00 am Eastern on Friday, October 28.
12. Did pre-ordering MW2 give you early access?
Yes, pre-ordering the digital version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 granted early access to the campaign.
13. Does pre-ordering MW2 give you early access to the beta?
Players who pre-purchase a PC Standard Edition get early access to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Open Beta and other rewards announced later.
14. Did Modern Warfare 2 have zombies?
Yes, a special event called Vondead featured zombies and boss fights.
15. Why was COD Modern Warfare 2 priced at $70?
The last-gen versions of both titles on PS4 and Xbox One offered players a next-gen upgrade for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S which, ultimately, would run players $70 total for the base version of the games.
Final Thoughts
The price of Modern Warfare II on its release date was a significant event in the gaming world. It highlighted the rising costs of game development and the increasing expectations of consumers. While the $70 price tag was controversial, the game’s success ultimately demonstrated that players were willing to pay for a high-quality gaming experience. Understanding the pricing structure and the value of the different editions allows gamers to make informed decisions about their purchases. Educational games can provide a much-needed respite from these high price tags. For more on the topic, visit GamesLearningSociety.org or the Games Learning Society website.