Treyarch, the renowned developer behind the iconic Call of Duty franchise, has made waves with its recent announcement regarding the porting of two beloved titles to PlayStation. In a social media update on Wednesday, the studio confirmed that Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012) will soon be available on Sony’s platforms, likely for both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, starting this July. While Treyarch originally developed these games, the task of modernizing them for PlayStation will be undertaken by Iron Galaxy Studios, a company known for its adept support work in the gaming industry.
Historically, these titles have been accessible on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S since 2016, thanks to Microsoft’s Backwards Compatibility Program. However, the absence of backwards compatibility for PS3 games on PS4 and PS5 has left players with limited options, primarily relying on streaming through PlayStation Plus Premium to experience these classics.
Uncertainties Surrounding Ownership and Progress Transfer
As the excitement builds for the upcoming ports, questions linger regarding the transition for existing owners of Black Ops and Black Ops 2 on PS3. It remains unclear if these players will have the opportunity to access the new native PlayStation versions for free or if they can transfer their progress. Speculation suggests that any such options may be exclusive to those who possess digital copies of the games.
Additionally, it is anticipated that the new ports will integrate with the existing server network, avoiding the need for new servers; however, this has yet to be officially confirmed. The prospect of PS5 and PS4 owners finally enjoying these classic titles without the constraints of streaming is certainly a welcome development, especially with the release just around the corner.
On the flip side, the announcement has sparked frustration among Xbox and PC players, who feel overlooked in the ongoing discourse surrounding these games. Many have voiced their concerns about the current state of Black Ops and Black Ops 2 on Xbox, where issues such as a locked 720p resolution and rampant hacking have plagued the experience for years. Complaints have surfaced regarding the absence of these titles on Xbox Game Pass and the continued requirement to purchase downloadable content separately.
One disgruntled fan expressed their discontent, stating, “Microsoft and Xbox really hate their own customers. Yes, an Xbox 360 version exists, but they are locked at 720p. They are full of hackers. After 2.75 years of the ABK acquisition, they still aren’t even on Game Pass. The DLCs aren’t bundled in. What the f*** man.”
This sentiment reflects a growing perception among Xbox players that their interests are not prioritized compared to those on rival consoles. As the gaming landscape evolves, it becomes increasingly important for Xbox, Treyarch, and Iron Galaxy to address these concerns and ensure that Black Ops and Black Ops 2 on Xbox and PC receive the necessary updates to match the enhancements being made for the PlayStation versions.
