Classic Call of Duty Games Return via Microsoft Store
The Call of Duty series, one of gaming’s most iconic franchises, has taken a significant step to preserve its legacy. Following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision in 2022, older COD titles are now finding a new home on the Microsoft Store. This is a huge opportunity for both long-time fans and newcomers to rediscover these classics. Here’s what’s happening, what it could mean for Xbox Game Pass, and the potential updates these games might receive.
Old COD Titles Now Available
Microsoft has quietly made nearly every older Call of Duty entry available for purchase on their store. Spanning more than a decade of releases, these games are now accessible for download on PC, alongside Xbox compatibility for digital distribution. Here’s a look at the titles recently added:
- COD 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
- World at War (2008)
- Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
- Black Ops (2010)
- Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
- Black Ops 2 (2012)
- Ghosts (2013)
- Advanced Warfare (2014)
- Black Ops 3 (2015)
- Infinite Warfare (2016)
- WW2 (2017)
For players who missed the chance to own these classics or who transitioned to PC from console, this is a welcome addition. The ability to launch these games digitally removes the need for physical discs and gives new life to timeless entries in the series.
Game Pass Potential
Although the games are purchasable individually, many fans are wondering if these classics will be included in Xbox Game Pass. Currently, only Modern Warfare 3 (2023) and Black Ops 6 are featured on the subscription service. However, with these older entries now on the Microsoft Store, their arrival on Game Pass could be the next logical step.
Whether they’ll be released all at once or staggered over time is unknown. A mid-year release during a quieter Call of Duty content window would make sense, offering a nostalgic escape for players between seasonal updates.
Rethinking DLC Pricing
One challenge with these re-releases is the outdated pricing model for DLC and season passes. Unlike the free maps and content drops players enjoy in modern Call of Duty games, older titles still charge full price for DLC packs. This could discourage new players from fully exploring these games, especially with today’s standards for free post-launch content.
If Microsoft integrates these titles into Game Pass, there’s a strong chance the DLC structure will also be revisited—potentially bundling all content or offering it at no additional cost.
Tackling Multiplayer Issues
Multiplayer in older COD titles, while beloved, has been plagued by hackers and exploits. If these games are to thrive on Game Pass, Microsoft and Activision will need to address these issues. A large-scale ban wave or dedicated servers could ensure a more secure and enjoyable experience for returning players.
Classic Call of Duty games are a treasure trove of nostalgia, and with the right updates and support, they could become staples of the Game Pass library. Stay tuned as we follow these developments!