Which Call of Duty is Most Played Online?
Determining the absolute “most played” Call of Duty (CoD) title at any given moment can be tricky, as player numbers fluctuate constantly and are spread across various platforms. However, based on recent data and trends, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (MWII), particularly when combined with its associated Warzone 2.0 component, held the top spot for concurrent players in 2023. While other titles have dedicated fan bases and bursts of popularity, MWII & Warzone 2.0 consistently maintained a significant player base. This is largely due to the fact that it is one of the more recent iterations and that its free-to-play Warzone component dramatically expands its reach.
It’s important to clarify that “most played” can mean different things to different people. Do we mean the highest number of players logged in concurrently on a single platform? The highest overall player base across all platforms? Or the highest number of hours played? The answer can vary. For instance, while Modern Warfare II had strong concurrent numbers on PC via Steam, the vast PlayStation install base means that a considerable portion of the overall player base is on that platform, which is difficult to accurately track in real time. Furthermore, legacy titles have recently seen surges of players returning due to fixes in matchmaking. Despite these caveats, Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0 were the most played CoD titles online for most of 2023.
The Dynamic Landscape of Call of Duty Player Counts
Understanding the player base of Call of Duty requires an appreciation for its dynamic nature. Here are a few factors influencing player numbers:
- New Releases: The release of a new Call of Duty game, such as Modern Warfare III (MWIII) in November 2023, usually results in a significant shift in player activity towards the newer title.
- Platform Preference: Players are spread across PC, PlayStation (primarily PS5), and Xbox (primarily Xbox Series X|S) consoles. Each platform has its dedicated fanbase, and player numbers vary significantly.
- Free-to-Play Components: The addition of free-to-play components like Warzone has vastly expanded the reach and accessibility of the franchise, creating a consistent influx of new players.
- Matchmaking Fixes: Older Call of Duty titles have seen a resurgence of players following recent fixes to their matchmaking servers, showing the enduring appeal of older games.
- Game Modes: Specific game modes (e.g., Multiplayer, Battle Royale, DMZ) attract different types of players, resulting in fluctuating player numbers.
A Look Back at Past Popularity
While MWII & Warzone 2.0 led much of the last year, historically, certain titles have been more popular than others. The Black Ops series, generally considered the most popular sub-franchise of the Call of Duty family, consistently draws large player bases. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is also a title lauded as the “best” for changing the game and being iconic, and the original Black Ops is often praised for its campaign. Recent fixes to matchmaking in older titles have resulted in surges in players on older titles like CoD: Black Ops, Black Ops II, and Modern Warfare 3 on Xbox 360. Despite the longevity of these titles, the sheer number of active users for Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0 in 2023 consistently outpaced older ones in terms of raw numbers.
The Impact of Modern Warfare III
The release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III in late 2023, is expected to have a huge impact on player numbers, further shifting online engagement towards the latest installment in the franchise. However, the enduring popularity of Warzone will likely still see substantial traffic and overlap across both titles, as the Warzone mode is generally updated and carried over to new Call of Duty releases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the most popular Call of Duty series?
The Black Ops series is often cited as the most popular sub-franchise within the Call of Duty universe. It is usually lauded for both its memorable campaigns and fun multiplayer options.
2. Which platform has the most Call of Duty players?
PlayStation is the primary destination for Call of Duty games, boasting a substantial install base with millions of consoles sold. This translates to a large number of active players on the PlayStation Network. However, it is also important to remember that there are substantial player bases on both PC and Xbox platforms.
3. What is the best Call of Duty game to play?
This is subjective, but Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is widely considered a classic due to its revolutionary multiplayer and intense campaign. However, Call of Duty: Black Ops is also frequently cited for its memorable story.
4. Is Call of Duty still popular in 2023?
Absolutely. Call of Duty remains one of the biggest franchises in entertainment, having celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023. New releases, like Modern Warfare III, consistently prove its enduring appeal.
5. What country has the most Call of Duty players?
The United States accounts for the largest share of Call of Duty players, at a staggering 31% of the total player base.
6. Do more people play Call of Duty on console or PC?
According to reports, there were significantly more PC players than console players in 2022 (1.1 billion vs 611 million respectively) but that doesn’t tell the whole story regarding which platform has more players actively playing Call of Duty titles. The vast majority of players, for Call of Duty, are generally on console (Playstation primarily) with a smaller, but still substantial, PC player base.
7. How much do professional Call of Duty players make?
Professional Call of Duty League players earn a minimum base salary of $55,225 (USD) per year. In addition to this, there are other income streams through tournament winnings, sponsorships, and content creation.
8. Which Call of Duty was most played online in 2023?
As of June 2023, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II averaged about 65 thousand average concurrent players on PC via Steam. This number includes players across campaign, multiplayer, Warzone 2.0, and DMZ. This number has likely dropped dramatically since the release of Modern Warfare III
9. What is the most played game in the world right now?
Looking at the total number of players worldwide, PUBG currently holds the top spot, with over 100 million active players.
10. Is Warzone free to play?
Yes, Warzone is a free-to-play experience for all players.
11. What is the most sold game in the world?
Minecraft is the best-selling video game of all time, selling over 300 million copies across all platforms.
12. Which Call of Duty has the best campaign?
Many consider Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) to have the best campaign for its thrilling espionage story and historical setting.
13. Why are old Call of Duty games seeing a resurgence in popularity?
Recent fixes to the matchmaking servers for older Call of Duty titles have revived their player base, allowing players to easily join online matches once again.
14. What year was Call of Duty at its peak popularity?
Many argue that Call of Duty’s ‘heyday’ was between 2007 and 2012, spanning from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare to Black Ops II.
15. Who is considered the most successful professional Call of Duty player?
Crimsix is widely regarded as one of the most successful pro Call of Duty players, boasting 37 wins, 3 Champs titles, and 5 Champs top-three finishes.
In conclusion, while the landscape of online multiplayer gaming is constantly evolving, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0 held the lead in 2023, with new releases and platform dynamics continuing to shape which titles will top the charts in the near future. The enduring popularity of the franchise is a testament to its fast-paced gameplay, variety of game modes, and dedicated community.