Will Activision Return to Steam? The Definitive Answer
Yes, Activision has already returned to Steam. In 2022, they brought the Call of Duty series back to Steam, marking a significant shift in their distribution strategy. This return began with Modern Warfare II, the first Call of Duty title to grace Steam since 2017’s World War II. This move signifies a broader effort to increase accessibility and reach a wider player base.
The Rationale Behind Activision’s Steam Return
Activision’s decision to rejoin Steam wasn’t simply a whimsical choice; it’s rooted in strategic considerations. For years, Activision, particularly through its Blizzard arm, heavily favored its own Battle.net platform. This platform allowed Activision to retain a larger portion of the revenue, exert greater control over game updates and player experience, and foster a dedicated community within its ecosystem.
However, the gaming landscape is ever-evolving. The advantages of wider distribution and exposure provided by Steam became increasingly apparent. Steam’s massive user base, comprehensive infrastructure for game discovery, and established community features presented an opportunity too significant to ignore.
Essentially, while Battle.net remains a core platform for Blizzard titles, recognizing the importance of reaching a broader audience led Activision to reconsider its exclusive reliance on its own launcher. The return to Steam is a calculated effort to tap into a larger market and leverage Steam’s robust platform features.
Modern Warfare II: The Vanguard of the Activision Steam Renaissance
Modern Warfare II served as the initial flagship title to lead Activision’s Steam comeback. This highly anticipated release was strategically chosen to spearhead the return, capitalizing on the franchise’s immense popularity and drawing players back to Steam. The successful launch of MWII on Steam validated the decision and paved the way for future Activision titles on the platform.
Furthermore, the simultaneous release of Warzone 2.0 on Steam alongside Modern Warfare II significantly boosted player engagement. By offering both a premium title and a free-to-play experience on Steam, Activision maximized its reach and catered to a wider range of players.
Overwatch 2: Blizzard’s Toe in the Water
Following Activision’s lead, Blizzard also cautiously began testing the Steam waters. Overwatch 2 was the first Blizzard game to arrive on Steam, representing a significant departure from the company’s traditional reliance on Battle.net. This move was strategically chosen to test the waters, allowing Blizzard to gauge the response from Steam users and assess the potential benefits of wider distribution.
While Overwatch 2’s Steam debut wasn’t without its challenges (including review bombing and technical hiccups), it demonstrated Blizzard’s willingness to experiment with different distribution channels and reach new audiences. This move signaled a shift towards greater openness and a recognition of the value of platforms like Steam.
Future Prospects and Potential Pitfalls
The successful re-establishment of Activision on Steam raises the question: what’s next? While specific future plans remain confidential, it’s reasonable to anticipate a continued presence on Steam, with more Activision titles potentially making their way to the platform. Games like Diablo IV are prime candidates for Steam releases.
However, the transition isn’t without its potential pitfalls. Managing player support across multiple platforms, addressing platform-specific issues, and ensuring consistent player experience are all challenges that Activision must navigate. Additionally, the revenue split with Valve (Steam’s owner) will impact Activision’s overall profitability compared to distributing solely through Battle.net.
Despite these challenges, the overall outlook for Activision’s presence on Steam remains positive. The benefits of wider distribution, increased player engagement, and access to Steam’s massive user base likely outweigh the potential downsides. The Games Learning Society recognizes that these industry shifts impact learning, design and engagement in games. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Activision and Steam
1. Is Call of Duty going to be on Steam?
Yes, Call of Duty is currently available on Steam. Modern Warfare III, Modern Warfare II, and Warzone are all accessible through the platform.
2. Will Activision bring all of their games to Steam?
While there’s no official confirmation of all games coming to Steam, it is probable that more Activision titles will be released on the platform in the future. Games like Diablo IV are prime candidates.
3. Will older Call of Duty games come to Steam?
Currently, there has been no announcement regarding older Call of Duty games being released on Steam. Only Modern Warfare II, Modern Warfare III, and Warzone have been confirmed.
4. Why doesn’t Blizzard put all their games on Steam?
Blizzard has traditionally favored its own Battle.net platform to maintain control over distribution, updates, and revenue. However, they are now testing the waters with titles like Overwatch 2. A full migration is unlikely in the short term.
5. Can I transfer my Call of Duty games from Battle.net to Steam?
No, licenses purchased on Battle.net cannot be transferred to Steam. They are separate platforms.
6. Why was Call of Duty removed from Steam initially?
Call of Duty was removed to drive users to Battle.net and grow Activision’s own platform. This allowed them to retain more control and revenue.
7. Is Warzone Caldera still available on Steam?
No, Warzone Caldera was shut down on September 21, 2023, and is no longer available on any platform, including Steam.
8. Why does Call of Duty: Warzone sometimes disconnect from Steam?
Disconnections can be caused by corrupt Steam cache files or network connection issues. Clearing the cache or troubleshooting your network may resolve the problem.
9. Why isn’t Modern Warfare (2019) on Steam?
Modern Warfare (2019) was released during Activision’s period of exclusivity with Battle.net. Thus, it was never released on Steam.
10. What Blizzard games are available on Steam?
Currently, Overwatch 2 is the only Blizzard game officially available on Steam. More releases may follow in the future.
11. Why is my Steam account banned from Call of Duty?
Bans in Call of Duty are typically due to violations of the game’s security and enforcement policy, such as cheating, hacking, or using unauthorized software.
12. Does putting Call of Duty on Steam affect gameplay?
The core gameplay remains the same regardless of the platform. However, there might be platform-specific differences in terms of performance, graphical settings, and social integration.
13. Is Steam losing popularity?
Steam has experienced periods of fluctuating growth, but it remains one of the most popular PC gaming platforms. It continues to evolve and adapt to the changing gaming landscape.
14. Will Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 be on Steam?
Yes, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is available on Steam, giving players another avenue to enjoy this well-received remake.
15. What happens if a Call of Duty game is delisted from Steam?
If you own a game before it’s delisted, you typically retain access to it. However, it will no longer be available for purchase on the platform.
In conclusion, Activision’s return to Steam is a strategic decision that reflects the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry. While challenges remain, the move offers significant potential for expanding reach, engaging a wider player base, and capitalizing on Steam’s robust platform features. The future looks bright for Activision’s presence on Steam, with the potential for more titles to join the platform and further solidify their presence in the PC gaming market.