Activision has officially released two of its most beloved shooters, Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) and Black Ops 2 (2012), on the PlayStation 5. The ports, first announced in June, were built by Iron Galaxy in partnership with Activision. Importantly, these are not remasters or remakes; they preserve the original graphics and gameplay, delivering the exact nostalgic experience fans enjoyed on older consoles.

Pricing and Promotional Offers

Both titles are priced at a standard $40, but PlayStation Plus subscribers can snag each game for just $20 until August 6. After that date the price reverts to the full retail amount. No bundled deal is available, meaning players who want both titles must purchase them individually.

Cross‑Play Limitations

The storefront descriptions stress a "classic Call of Duty experience," which also means cross‑platform multiplayer is not supported. PS5 owners will only be able to compete with fellow PlayStation users, a restriction that feels dated in an era where cross‑play is increasingly expected.

Season Pass and Additional Content

Beyond the base games, Activision is selling a season pass for each title at $30. PlayStation Plus members enjoy a steep discount, paying just $10 for the pass if bought before August 6. The season pass adds extra multiplayer maps and zombie‑mode content, extending the replay value of both games.

Looking Ahead

Following these classic ports, Activision’s next major release is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, slated for launch this October on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC. This rollout illustrates a dual strategy: reviving legacy IPs to keep long‑time fans engaged while simultaneously building hype for new, next‑generation titles.

The practice of re‑porting beloved games to newer hardware has become a lucrative trend across the industry. It leverages existing brand equity, reduces development risk, and taps into both nostalgic players and newcomers. However, the decision to charge extra for DLC can provoke criticism, especially when the core games themselves are offered at a reduced price. Balancing revenue goals with player goodwill will be a key challenge for Activision moving forward.