Call of Duty, one of the most popular first-person shooter game franchises, has been around for decades, entertaining millions of gamers worldwide. However, a question that has been on the minds of many gamers is: Is Call of Duty on Steam? Well, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Call of Duty and Steam, exploring the history, current state, and possibilities of this seemingly simple yet intriguing question.
A Brief History of Call of Duty
Before we dive into the Steam conundrum, let’s take a step back and look at the history of Call of Duty. The first Call of Duty game was released in 2003 by Infinity Ward, developed by Activision. The game was initially released for PC, and it was a massive success, leading to a series of sequels and spin-offs. Over the years, the franchise has grown to include multiple studios, including Treyarch, Sledgehammer Games, and others, each contributing to the development of new titles.
The Rise of Digital Distribution and Steam
In the early 2000s, digital distribution platforms were still in their infancy. However, with the launch of Steam in 2004, the landscape of PC gaming changed forever. Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, provided a convenient, user-friendly platform for gamers to purchase, download, and play games. As the years went by, Steam became the go-to platform for PC gamers, with millions of users worldwide.
The Initial Absence of Call of Duty on Steam
Despite its popularity, Call of Duty games were not initially available on Steam. Instead, Activision opted to distribute their games through other digital platforms, such as Battle.net, their own proprietary platform. This decision was likely driven by a desire to maintain control over the distribution and sales of their titles.
The Shift to Battle.net and the Exclusion from Steam
In 2013, Activision announced that Call of Duty: Ghosts would be the last Call of Duty game to be released on Steam. Starting with Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, the franchise shifted to Battle.net, a digital distribution platform developed by Blizzard Entertainment, another subsidiary of Activision Blizzard. This move was seen as a strategic decision to consolidate their digital presence and reduce dependence on third-party platforms like Steam.
The Reasons Behind the Shift
There are several reasons why Activision might have decided to move away from Steam. One reason is the revenue share model employed by Steam. Valve takes a 30% cut of game sales, which can be a significant chunk of revenue for game developers and publishers. By using Battle.net, Activision could maintain control over their games’ distribution and sales, potentially increasing their revenue.
Another reason might be the desire to create a more integrated ecosystem for their games. Battle.net allows Activision to create a seamless experience for players, with features like social networking, cloud saving, and easy access to other Blizzard games.
The Current State: Is Call of Duty on Steam?
Fast-forward to the present day, and the answer to our original question remains a bit complicated. While Call of Duty games are not available for purchase or download on Steam, there is a glimmer of hope for Steam enthusiasts.
In 2020, Activision announced a partnership with Tencent Games, a Chinese gaming company, to bring Call of Duty: Mobile to Asia. As part of this partnership, Tencent Games released Call of Duty: Mobile on Steam in China, marking the first time a Call of Duty game was available on the platform. However, this is a limited release, and the game is only available in China.
The Possibility of a Full Return to Steam
While the current situation is far from ideal for Steam users, there is hope that Call of Duty games might one day return to the platform. In a 2020 earnings call, Activision Blizzard’s CEO, Bobby Kotick, mentioned that they were open to exploring other distribution channels, including Steam. This statement sparked speculation among gamers, with many hoping for a full return to Steam.
The Benefits of Call of Duty on Steam
So, what would be the benefits of Call of Duty returning to Steam? For one, it would allow Steam users to access the franchise’s vast library of games, including classic titles and new releases. This would be a significant boon for gamers who have invested in the Steam ecosystem and prefer to manage their game libraries through the platform.
Another advantage would be the exposure to Steam’s massive user base. With over 150 million active users, Steam offers an enormous potential audience for Call of Duty games. This could lead to increased sales, a wider player base, and more opportunities for Activision to engage with their target audience.
Competitive Advantage and Community Building
Having Call of Duty games on Steam would also provide a competitive advantage for Activision. By offering their titles on multiple platforms, including Steam, they could attract gamers who might not have considered playing Call of Duty otherwise. This increased competition could drive innovation and improvement in the franchise, ultimately benefiting gamers.
Furthermore, Steam’s community features, such as discussion forums, reviews, and community groups, would allow Call of Duty fans to connect, share strategies, and engage with each other more easily. This would foster a sense of community and camaraderie, which is essential for building a dedicated fan base.
The Future of Call of Duty and Steam
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the gaming landscape is constantly evolving. The rise of cloud gaming, game streaming, and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and Google Stadia has changed the way we consume games.
While Activision Blizzard has not made any official announcements about returning Call of Duty to Steam, the possibility remains. If they do decide to bring their games back to Steam, it would be a significant move, one that could have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry as a whole.
The Possibility of a Shift in Distribution Strategies
As the gaming industry continues to shift towards more inclusive, platform-agnostic distribution strategies, it’s possible that Activision Blizzard might reconsider their approach to digital distribution. With the rise of Xbox Game Pass and other subscription services, gamers are increasingly looking for flexible, affordable ways to access their favorite games.
If Activision Blizzard were to adopt a more open-minded approach to distribution, it could lead to a more diverse range of options for gamers, including the possibility of Call of Duty games on Steam.
Conclusion
The story of Call of Duty on Steam is a complex, winding tale of business decisions, platform wars, and the ever-changing gaming landscape. While the franchise is currently not available on Steam, there is hope that one day, Activision Blizzard might reconsider their stance and bring their beloved games back to the platform.
For now, gamers can only speculate about the possibilities. Will Call of Duty return to Steam? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, however: the gaming industry is constantly evolving, and only those who adapt and innovate will thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.
Why did Call of Duty suddenly disappear from Steam?
The sudden disappearance of Call of Duty from Steam left many gamers baffled. The reason behind this sudden move is that Activision, the publisher of Call of Duty, decided to pull the plug on Steam and shift its focus to its own gaming platform, Battle.net. This move was seen as a strategic decision to have more control over the distribution and sales of its games.
By cutting out the middleman, Activision can now keep a larger share of the revenue generated from game sales, which could potentially lead to more profits. Additionally, having its own platform allows Activision to have more control over the gaming experience, updates, and community engagement, which can lead to a better experience for players.
Will Call of Duty ever return to Steam?
The possibility of Call of Duty returning to Steam is highly unlikely. Activision has made it clear that it wants to focus on its own gaming platform, Battle.net, and promote its own ecosystem. The company has invested heavily in building a robust platform that can handle the demands of its popular franchise.
If Activision were to return to Steam, it would likely need to relinquish some control over the gaming experience and revenue, which might not be in its best interest. Additionally, Steam’s revenue sharing model might not be as favorable to Activision as it is on Battle.net, making a return to Steam less likely.
What about my existing Call of Duty games on Steam?
If you already own Call of Duty games on Steam, you can still play them and access your existing library. The games will continue to receive updates and support from Activision, and you can still play with friends who also own the game on Steam.
However, keep in mind that Activision will not be selling new copies of Call of Duty games on Steam, and any new content or DLC will only be available on Battle.net. This means that if you want to play the latest Call of Duty games or access new content, you’ll need to switch to Battle.net.
Is Battle.net a better platform than Steam?
Battle.net has its own strengths and weaknesses compared to Steam. On one hand, Battle.net offers a more seamless and integrated experience for Activision’s games, with features like easy game switching and a unified social platform. Additionally, Battle.net’s revenue sharing model is more favorable to game developers and publishers.
On the other hand, Steam has a massive library of games, a larger user base, and more features like reviews, community forums, and sales. Ultimately, whether Battle.net is better than Steam depends on your personal preferences and gaming needs.
Will other game franchises follow Activision’s lead?
It’s possible that other game publishers might follow Activision’s lead and abandon Steam in favor of their own gaming platforms. In recent years, we’ve seen Epic Games, Ubisoft, and Rockstar Games, among others, launch their own gaming platforms to varying degrees of success.
If more game publishers were to follow suit, it could potentially lead to a fragmentation of the PC gaming market, where players would need to juggle multiple platforms to access their favorite games. This could be both good and bad for gamers, as it might lead to more competition and innovation, but also potential headaches and inconvenience.
What does this mean for the future of PC gaming?
The shift towards proprietary gaming platforms could have significant implications for the future of PC gaming. If more game publishers were to abandon Steam, it could lead to a more decentralized and fragmented market, where players would need to navigate multiple platforms to access their games.
On the other hand, this could also lead to more innovation and competition, as platforms compete for users and offer better features and services. Ultimately, the future of PC gaming will likely be shaped by the ongoing struggle for control and revenue between game publishers, platforms, and players.
Should I switch to Battle.net for Call of Duty?
Whether or not to switch to Battle.net for Call of Duty depends on your personal gaming preferences and needs. If you’re a die-hard Call of Duty fan and want to access the latest games and content, switching to Battle.net might be the best option.
On the other hand, if you’re already invested in the Steam ecosystem and prefer the features and community it offers, you might want to stick with Steam. Ultimately, the decision to switch platforms depends on your personal priorities and what matters most to you as a gamer.