Will Black Ops 4 Ever Be on Steam?

As a dedicated gamer, you’ve probably been wondering if Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 will ever make its way to Steam. With the game’s release on multiple platforms, the question of its availability on Steam remains a hot topic among the gaming community. Let’s delve into the details and explore the possibilities.

Release Platforms

Black Ops 4 was initially released on November 14, 2018, for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The PC version was exclusively available through the Battle.net platform, which is Blizzard Entertainment’s digital distribution service. This exclusivity raised questions about the game’s potential release on Steam.

Exclusivity and Licensing

One of the main reasons for the initial lack of Black Ops 4 on Steam was the exclusivity deal between Activision and Blizzard. The agreement allowed Blizzard to distribute the game on Battle.net, which was seen as a strategic move to expand their gaming ecosystem. However, this exclusivity deal had a limited duration, and many gamers were hopeful that it would expire, allowing the game to be available on Steam.

Activision’s Stance

Activision has been quite clear about their stance on the matter. In an interview with GameSpot, Activision’s CEO, Bobby Kotick, stated that the company has no plans to bring Black Ops 4 to Steam. He emphasized that the game’s success on Battle.net was a testament to the platform’s growing popularity among PC gamers.

Community Demand

Despite Activision’s stance, the gaming community has been vocal about their desire to play Black Ops 4 on Steam. Many PC gamers prefer Steam for its user-friendly interface, extensive library of games, and robust community features. A petition on Change.org, titled “Bring Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 to Steam,” garnered over 100,000 signatures, further highlighting the community’s demand.

Competitive Gaming and Esports

Another factor that could influence the potential release of Black Ops 4 on Steam is the competitive gaming and esports scene. With Black Ops 4 being a popular choice for esports events, the need for a unified platform for players and spectators is crucial. While the game is available on other platforms, the lack of Steam support could hinder the growth of the esports community.

Alternatives

While the possibility of Black Ops 4 being released on Steam seems slim, there are alternative options for PC gamers. Players can continue to enjoy the game on Battle.net, which offers a dedicated community and regular updates. Additionally, the game is also available on other digital distribution platforms like GOG.com, which provides a DRM-free experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the likelihood of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 being released on Steam appears to be low, given Activision’s current stance and the exclusivity deal with Blizzard. However, the gaming community’s demand and the potential benefits of a unified platform for competitive gaming and esports cannot be ignored. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen if Activision will reconsider their decision in the future.