Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 - back to basics without in-game purchases

Intelligence Summary
- See how the return to Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 gives players a nostalgic experience without the pressure of in-game purchases.
In short
- Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 have been ported to PS4 and PS5, but are seen as expensive and limited.
- Players are enjoying a time before battle passes and in-game purchases.
- In Black Ops and Black Ops 2, players can create emblems for free, a big difference from modern titles.
GAME-scanner analysis
The recent port of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 to PlayStation 4 and 5 has sparked a wave of nostalgia among gamers. Many players appreciate the chance to return to a time when gameplay was not overshadowed by in-game purchases and battle passes. That sentiment is reinforced by the strong sales of these titles, which together have sold more than 29 million copies, generating around $1.18 billion in revenue. However, the current port is being viewed as pricey and limited, raising questions about the value players are getting for their money.
What does this mean for players?
For many gamers, the return to Black Ops 2 offers a welcome break from today’s monetization practices. Players can enjoy a more authentic experience without the pressure to buy extra content. At the same time, it also raises questions about the future of gaming and the impact of in-game purchases on the overall experience. The debate over traditional gameplay versus modern monetization remains as relevant as ever.
Timeline
July 2026: Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 are ported to PS4 and PS5.
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Sources
Tweet van @CODUpdatesTweet van @CODUpdates“It feels exciting to unlock new attachments knowing someone else didn’t buy them to get ahead,” posted one person on the BLOPS2 subreddit. “I’m quite sad that gaming will probably never go back the way things should be, and that buying a game doesn’t give you the right to everything in the game anymore. But for now I’ll enjoy this glimpse into how good we had it a decade ago.”