Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: All Release Times, Pre-Load, and Download Size

The reason Console and Windows Store users can play at 'Midnight' where as for Steam and Battle.net users its later, is down to the ability to 'pre-install the game.

For Steam & Battle.net, they can't 'pre-install before the game is 'live' so they have to wait until 'midnight' to install before they can play.

Being online only, even if you get the disc before the 25th, you can't access the game until its 'live'. However if you pre-order digitally (or intend to play on Game Pass) on Console or through the Windows Store on PC (rather than through Steam or Battle.net), you can pre-load from 21st Oct ready to play as soon as it goes 'live' in your region...

The most anticipated game of the year along with FC 25

@BAMozzy You play the singleplayer before it's life but its singleplayer? This really shows they control the games you buy.

When can I play on Nintendo Switch? That was part of the deal Microsoft made wasn’t it?

Pretty tired of the COD scene TBH. At least this release will have new maps and not rehashed ones.

@Flaming_Kaiser The Single Player has Online streaming for assets so you cannot play it until it goes 'live' - same as Zombies/MP mode.

All my post was explaining, was the fact that pre-orders on Console and Windows Store can pre-load the game from the 21st and as its 'pre-loaded', they can play from 'midnight' on the 25th - the 'day' it releases. If you buy, you can only buy physically once it 'officially' releases on the 25th October so can only 'install' after its 'live'. Stores shouldn't sell it before...

The point I was trying to make is that the earliest anyone can play is with pre-ordering on Xbox, Playstation or Windows Store on PC so you can 'pre-load' and play 'when' the game is released in your region - also those with Game Pass can pre-load too.

At that 'time' it releases, you can also buy the game on ANY Platform, BUT you'll have to wait until its downloaded and installed before you play and that includes pre-orders through Steam or Battle.net - meaning that you'll have 'delayed' access compared to those pre-ordering on Console or Windows store as well as those with Game Pass.

I don't see the issue - its no different to many other games in reality as you can't play them before they launch - its just that 'some' games may be 'playable' before release if you are able to get hold of a copy 'before' the release date. This is confirming that even if you get your 'pre-order' early, you can't play it because its not 'Live'

Curious to see how this sales now with it being included with game pass.

@BAMozzy OK thanks for the information then it's a 100 no go. The moment they stop supporting it it's totally useless as a game no thanks.

@Americansamurai1 If the sales drop it will be even worse for Microsoft buying a franchise that devalues isn't something they want to hear I guess.

@Flaming_Kaiser yeah going to be very interesting and again what happens if it doesn't increase subscription numbers to a massive amount.

@Americansamurai1 The subscriptions were dropping or stopped increasing but you are right its really important to see if it will be enough to pay for the lost money.

all those gigs and still won’t be better than the ps3 CODs 😂

@Flaming_Kaiser Its the same as it's been for the last 5yrs or so - its not 'changed its 'delivery' method, it was the 'same' last year - although last year, pre-orderers could play the Campaign a week early - but this year EVERYONE gets to play EVERYTHING from the exact same 'time' (unless you buy from Steam/Battle.net).

Like EVERY Call of Duty, Suport 'stops' after a year s the 'new' game is the focus. Obviously you can still 'play' everything after a year, its just dwindling numbers to find players and there is no Season Pass tie-in with it.

You can still play MW2 or MW3 if you want, its just the 'online' PvP/PvE modes may 'struggle' to find games and the ping is not 'ideal' but still playable because the 'majority' playing will be playing the Latest.

I'm not trying to convince you (or anyone) to buy, I was merely commenting on the reason why Steam and Battle.net purchasers will have to 'wait' a bit to download/install the game whilst Console/Windows Store purchases will be able to play from the time it goes 'Live' (it is a Live Service Game too) in their region.

I couldn't care less who will play BO6 and who doesn't. It's up to them!

One of the best in the business for first person shooter gunplay.

If people en masse stopped buying this franchise it will go away and die. Just sayin….

@BAMozzy You don't have to I have not played a entry since the PS4 MW 20something remake. 😆