Which Call of Duty Games Are Being Shut Down? A Comprehensive Guide
The Call of Duty (CoD) franchise is a behemoth in the gaming world, boasting a history filled with memorable titles and dedicated player bases. However, the lifespan of online multiplayer games isn’t infinite, and sometimes, servers are closed to make way for new experiences. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of which Call of Duty games are being shut down, and what this means for players.
The most significant and recently shut-down title is Call of Duty: Warzone Caldera, the original battle royale experience. As of September 21, 2023, the servers for Warzone Caldera were permanently closed. This move was made to allow developers to focus on the current Warzone free-to-play experience and future content. In addition to Warzone Caldera, older Call of Duty servers on the Nintendo Platform have also been permanently shut down, impacting the ability to play those games online. Finally, Call of Duty Online, a free-to-play title specifically for China, has also been shut down due to declining interest. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of these closures.
Call of Duty: Warzone Caldera’s Final Stand
Why Was Caldera Shut Down?
The closure of Warzone Caldera marked the end of an era. Activision made the decision to focus resources on Warzone 2.0 (now just Warzone), and the future of the battle royale mode. Warzone Caldera, formerly known as the original Call of Duty: Warzone, was seen as a legacy product. While many players enjoyed this version, the focus has shifted to the ongoing evolution of the Warzone experience in the latest Modern Warfare and Black Ops iterations.
What Happens to Player Progress and Skins?
Unfortunately, the shutdown of Warzone Caldera means that player progress, skins, and cosmetics earned or purchased in that specific iteration will not be transferred to the current Warzone. Just as when Warzone 2.0 launched, players cannot access their old cosmetic items. This has been a source of frustration for some fans, who feel they’ve lost their investments in the game.
Old Call of Duty Server Closures
Nintendo Platform Server Shutdown
Beyond Warzone Caldera, older Call of Duty servers on the Nintendo Platform have been shut down permanently. This impacts online multiplayer for these games, meaning players can no longer engage in online matches. This closure is part of a wider trend of retiring older online infrastructures to prioritize newer releases.
Modern Warfare 2 Server Issues
While the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 servers have faced temporary closures due to a malware attack, these servers were not completely and permanently shut down. The shutdown was specifically to address the malware, and it is possible to see the game online again in the future.
The Demise of Call of Duty Online
Why Was Call of Duty Online Shut Down?
Call of Duty Online, a free-to-play title exclusive to China, has been shut down by Tencent due to declining player interest. The intent is for players in that region to switch to Call of Duty: Mobile as an alternative free-to-play experience. This closure is a clear indication of how market dynamics and game performance can influence the life cycle of a Call of Duty title, even one tailored for a specific market.
What Is NOT Being Shut Down
It’s crucial to also clarify what is not being shut down to avoid confusion. Here are some important points:
- Call of Duty: Mobile: Despite rumors, Call of Duty: Mobile is not shutting down. Activision has publicly confirmed the game’s ongoing development and support. The rumors likely stemmed from concerns about Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision, but CoD Mobile remains unaffected.
- Warzone (current version): The currently available Warzone is not shutting down. The game is continuously being updated and is integrated into recent Modern Warfare titles, with Warzone being present in Modern Warfare 3.
- Warzone 2.0: The current Warzone experience is being updated and it is not being shut down. This version is the main focus for the Call of Duty battle royale experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is COD Mobile shutting down in 2023 or 2024?
No, Call of Duty: Mobile is not shutting down. Activision has confirmed the game will continue to receive updates and support. Rumors to the contrary are false.
2. Is Warzone 2 getting shut down?
No, Warzone 2 (the current Warzone experience) is not shutting down. Activision is focused on updating and improving this experience.
3. Is Verdansk coming back to Warzone?
There are indications that the return of the fan-favorite Verdansk map is becoming more likely in the future, though this is not currently confirmed.
4. What is Warzone 3?
There is no separate Warzone 3. The battle royale mode is simply being updated as part of the current iteration, not a whole new version. The game just keeps getting updated and is currently tied into Modern Warfare 3.
5. Is Rebirth Island returning?
Yes, Rebirth Island is returning to Warzone in 2024, along with Fortune’s Keep.
6. Will Modern Warfare 3 have Zombies mode?
Yes, Modern Warfare 3 features a Zombies mode, with unique gameplay elements and equipment.
7. Is Warzone free in Modern Warfare 3?
Yes, Warzone is free in Modern Warfare 3, as it is part of the experience.
8. What happened to my old Warzone skins and progress from Caldera?
Unfortunately, skins and progress earned in Warzone Caldera are not transferable to the current Warzone. They remain exclusive to the now-closed Caldera version.
9. Why is Caldera shutting down?
Warzone Caldera was shut down to focus on the current Warzone experience and future content for the game. This move allowed Activision to concentrate their resources on the latest iteration of the battle royale.
10. Is Call of Duty losing popularity?
While Warzone player counts have experienced a decline, this is not unusual for games over time, and it does not represent a full decline in popularity for the Call of Duty franchise as a whole. The decline is often tied to specific updates and balancing issues.
11. Are older Call of Duty games unplayable?
No, most older Call of Duty games are still playable, but online multiplayer for some titles has been shut down.
12. What map is replacing Rebirth Island?
It has been reported that Activision replaced Rebirth Island with Fortune’s Keep, before both maps will return in the future.
13. What new Call of Duty will be in 2024?
The Call of Duty title for 2024 is being developed by Treyarch and is rumored to be Black Ops 6.
14. What Call of Duty title is planned for 2025?
Leaked information suggests the 2025 Call of Duty title might feature remastered maps from Black Ops 2.
15. Is Call of Duty sold in China?
Call of Duty Online is no longer available in China. Players in that region are being encouraged to play Call of Duty Mobile instead.
Conclusion
The world of Call of Duty is constantly evolving, and with that comes changes in which games are actively supported. While the shutdown of Warzone Caldera and other legacy online servers may be disappointing to some, it’s a necessary step to ensure the franchise’s future. Activision continues to invest in new experiences, as well as updating existing modes, promising exciting new adventures for fans of the series. It’s essential to stay informed about these shifts in order to maximize enjoyment of the latest offerings while understanding the history of the series. By keeping up with official announcements, and paying close attention to updates, Call of Duty players can be prepared for future changes.