Activision has drawn swift criticism from players after adding a prominent “Pre-Order MW4” prompt directly into the multiplayer main menu of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.
The controversial addition arrived via version 1.008 on PlayStation 5 and 1.08 on PlayStation 4, placing a marketing link alongside standard options like Play Online and Store. While cross-promotion within the franchise is standard operating procedure for Activision, the timing and location of this campaign have frustrated players who recently returned to the 2012 shooter following its re-release on modern PlayStation platforms in July.
Much of the backlash stems from ongoing technical and security concerns that continue to plague the port. Players have actively voiced frustration over modified accounts and widespread cheating in public lobbies, arguing that resources should go toward maintaining basic competitive integrity rather than inserting commercial promotions. The situation is further complicated by the PS4 release, where the pre-order prompt appears despite Modern Warfare 4 not being available on the legacy system.
From a business standpoint, Activision’s target audience is clear. Black Ops 2 topped download charts across PlayStation platforms in July, providing a massive, highly engaged user base right as the Modern Warfare 4 early access and open betas prepare to kick off later this month. However, for a community drawn back to Black Ops 2 specifically for its classic, pre-live-service game design, the intrusive marketing serves as an unwelcome reminder of modern monetization strategies.
