Why Will Call Of Duty Not Launch On Steam

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

07-01-2025

1

0

Share

The absence of recent Call of Duty titles on Steam is a significant point of discussion among PC gamers. The reason boils down to exclusivity deals struck between Activision Blizzard and other platforms. While Call of Duty games were once a staple on Steam, the current situation reflects a strategic shift in the gaming industry.

The Rise of Exclusive Deals

The gaming landscape has become increasingly competitive, driving major publishers to secure exclusive distribution rights for their high-profile titles. These deals often involve significant financial incentives for the platform holder, incentivizing them to prioritize marketing and promotion of the game. In the case of Call of Duty, Activision Blizzard chose to partner with the Epic Games Store and Battle.net, their own launcher, resulting in the exclusion of Steam.

Battle.net's Growing Importance

Activision Blizzard's decision to leverage Battle.net is a key factor. By utilizing their own launcher, they gain greater control over the user experience, player data, and ultimately, the revenue stream. This strategy allows for tighter integration of features and potentially more direct communication with players.

Financial Incentives from Epic Games Store

The financial benefits offered by Epic Games Store are likely another significant motivation for Activision Blizzard's decision. The Epic Games Store has aggressively pursued exclusivity deals, often offering substantial upfront payments and revenue sharing agreements that are difficult for Steam to match. This strategy has been successful in attracting high-profile titles, expanding its user base, and challenging Steam's dominance in the PC gaming market.

The Impact on Steam Users

The absence of Call of Duty on Steam is undeniably a blow for many PC gamers who prefer Steam's established ecosystem, including its extensive library, robust community features, and trusted payment system. This highlights the evolving dynamics of the PC gaming market and the increasing influence of exclusivity deals.

Looking Ahead

While there's no concrete indication of when or if future Call of Duty titles will appear on Steam, the current trend suggests that exclusivity deals are likely to continue to shape the distribution landscape of major AAA titles in the years to come. Gamers should expect to see more instances of exclusive releases across different digital storefronts, prompting them to utilize multiple platforms to access their desired games.