Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 update and the impact of Modern Warfare 4 pre-orders

Intelligence Summary
- A recent Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 update adds a Modern Warfare 4 pre-order button, drawing criticism from players.
In short
- A new update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 has added a pre-order button for Modern Warfare 4.
- The update has sparked mixed reactions from players, with plenty of criticism.
- Black Ops 2, originally released on 13 November 2012, remains popular and recently got a new release on PS4 and PS5.
GAME-scanner analysis
The addition of a pre-order button for Modern Warfare 4 in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is a notable move by Activision. It appears to be an attempt to capitalize on the hype around the upcoming title, especially given the continued popularity of Black Ops 2, which was re-released for modern consoles in 2026. However, player criticism may point to frustration with how older titles are being monetized, a recurring theme in the gaming community. Players are often skeptical of updates that seem aimed at generating extra revenue rather than improving the gameplay experience.
What does this mean for players?
For players, this update can be both positive and negative. On the one hand, it offers the chance to get early access to the new game through a pre-order, which may appeal to franchise fans. On the other hand, the criticism surrounding the update suggests growing frustration with older games being used to promote new releases, which could affect the overall experience. It’s important for players to make their voices heard so developers can better respond to their wishes and expectations.
Timeline
9 July 2026: Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is re-released for PS4 and PS5.
21 August 2026: The Early Access beta for Modern Warfare 4 begins for pre-order customers.
28 August 2026: The open beta for Modern Warfare 4 goes live.