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[Bo_Hazem]

Should you call out Activison?

Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War Editions FAQ

support.activision.com

The cover for both versions.

Left: Xbox One version ($60) that doesn't allow upgrade to Xbox Series X version but you can play it via BC on Series X.
Right: Xbox Series X version ($70) that include both version of the game.

Digital upgrade is still under evaluation on Xbox.

Pro consumer Smart Delivery

 

[BlitzerRadic]

I don't think you're understanding the situation, it is Microsoft that has been promoting smart delivery, NOT Sony which have simply allowed Activision an upgrade path from their PS4 titles to PS5 by paying an extra $10. Microsoft apparently did not allow this, they wanted games to play on Xbox One X or S and to also include the option to play on Series X with the upgraded assets at no extra cost, but greedy Activision found a way to circumvent this by creating a "Separate" disc version that contains Xbox One and Series X versions for $70 dollars

Xbox One version = $60
PS4 Version = $60 + pay $10 for PS5 upgrade
Xbox One + Series X version = $70

I don't see what other choice Activision has since smart delivery doesn't allow you to charge for upgrades. Activision isn't going to let anyone play next gen COD for less than $70.

 

[Coulomb_Barrier]

Those two Xbox cases have to be a joke, no?!? That's going to cause a lot of confusion.

 

[SebastianM]

lmao those cases are such a clusterfuck

 

[Evangelion Unit-01]

Surely you mean €70 for the ps5 version in the EU?

Publishers must be pissed with MS for forcing them into smart delivery. Should make it easier for Sony to do deals with them.

My understanding is:

$60 Current Gen
Xbox One
PS4 (Can pay $10 later to upgrade)

$70 Next Gen
PS5
Xbox One + Xbox Series X


$70 Bundle
PS4 + PS5
Xbox One + Xbox Series X

Most people here saying "lol dumb delivery" are missing the point. Microsoft wants one sku per game. You buy it once and you get licenses for both "versions". The "smart" part of smart delivery is that it downloads the correct version for your device so you only see one tile/icon in your library-determining if it's Series X or a One game running in back compat gets sorted out behind the scenes so the user just plays the game they want to play and gets the best experience.

On PS5 you'll presumably have two icons-one for the PS4 version in back compat and another for the PS5 version.

I think MSFT is the only one who did this right. Ideally Sony should have their own version of Smart Delivery and Activision should just sell one edition of the game per ecosystem.

 

[MiguelItUp]

Those covers are surely going to confuse some older parents and grand parents, lol. I feel that way with the Series X console too. There's gonna be so many mismatched purchases.

 

[ethomaz]

Those two Xbox cases have to be a joke, no?!? That's going to cause a lot of confusion.

They are the official covers.

You can see both here: https://support.activision.com/blac.../call-of-duty-black-ops-cold-war-editions-faq

 

[Dibils2k]

My understanding is:

$60 Current Gen
Xbox One
PS4 (Can pay $10 later to upgrade)

$70 Next Gen
PS5
Xbox One + Xbox Series X


$70 Bundle
PS4 + PS5
Xbox One + Xbox Series X

Most people here saying "lol dumb delivery" are missing the point. Microsoft wants one sku per game. You buy it once and you get licenses for both "versions". The "smart" part of smart delivery is that it downloads the correct version for your device so you only see one tile/icon in your library-determining if it's Series X or a One game running in back compat gets sorted out behind the scenes so the user just plays the game they want to play and gets the best experience.

On PS5 you'll presumably have two icons-one for the PS4 version in back compat and another for the PS5 version.

I think MSFT is the only one who did this right. Ideally Sony should have their own version of Smart Delivery and Activision should just sell one edition of the game per ecosystem.

plz dont bring logic here, we need more "dumb delivery" memes

 

[Warnen]

Microsoft already upped their prices to 70 euro on Steam so they ain't much better than Activision.

So sadly soon.

Gears tactics still $60 here, but that sucks

 

[Evangelion Unit-01]

plz dont bring logic here, we need more "dumb delivery" memes

Ha!

I am very critical of Microsoft, especially with Halo and where the ball has been dropped there but the console warring has been unreal here.

Literally criticism being lobbed when people do something right/well. The dumb delivery comments are the equivalent of and Xbox fanboy saying "lol free shovelware" to Astro Bot being A nice little pack in game with PS5. Just sad that people think like this.

 

[ethomaz]

My understanding is:

$60 Current Gen
Xbox One
PS4 (Can pay $10 later to upgrade)

$70 Next Gen
PS5
Xbox One + Xbox Series X


$70 Bundle
PS4 + PS5
Xbox One + Xbox Series X

Most people here saying "lol dumb delivery" are missing the point. Microsoft wants one sku per game. You buy it once and you get licenses for both "versions". The "smart" part of smart delivery is that it downloads the correct version for your device so you only see one tile/icon in your library-determining if it's Series X or a One game running in back compat gets sorted out behind the scenes so the user just plays the game they want to play and gets the best experience.

On PS5 you'll presumably have two icons-one for the PS4 version in back compat and another for the PS5 version.

I think MSFT is the only one who did this right. Ideally Sony should have their own version of Smart Delivery and Activision should just sell one edition of the game per ecosystem.

What is exactly right about not having option to upgrade to Series X version late if you brought the Xbox One version? So you have to pay $60 + $70 if you brought the Xbox One version and late wants to play on Series X?

What Activision did is really wrong.

 

[Tiamat2san]

Greedy Dumb fucks.
Still amazed by these companies..

 

[M1chl]

Moneyhats continues.

 

[Lionel Richie]

ethomaz good to see you bro, I thought you were a goner.

 

[Evangelion Unit-01]

What is exactly right about not having option to upgrade to Series X version late if you brought the Xbox One version? So you have to pay $60 + $70 if you brought the Xbox One version and late wants to play on Series X?

What Activision did is really wrong.

Well you will be able to play on SX you'll just be playing the last gen version. I think the Smart Delivery concept is great-never having to worry if you are playing last gen version or next gen version, the game automatically gives you the best version. Should MSFT offer a $10 upgrade option? Maybe but I understand why they aren't as it undermine the whole smart delivery concept.

With the $10 upgrade route you could in theory end up with two copies of the game on your PS5. Not a "bad" thing just kind of silly. Hopefully the PS5 will figure out away to hide the redundant last gen version. Either way, the problem would be remedied if Sony had their own smart delivery system rather than treating it as two separate titles. Thats where I think Sony messed up a little bit. I assume that Sony doesn't have the tech in place to support their own smart delivery since the SX physical includes the One version via a form of smart delivery but the PS5 physical version does not support PS4.

Activision, on the other hand, is totally messing things up. If they are taking price next gen they should just offer one $70 edition for Xbox and PS that give you both gens-via smart delivery on Xbox and with two licenses on PS. None of this $60 last gen version silliness.

 

[SamFo]

what about the series S version....

 

[ethomaz]

Well you will be able to play on SX you'll just be playing the last gen version. I think the Smart Delivery concept is great-never having to worry if you are playing last gen version or next gen version, the game automatically gives you the best version. Should MSFT offer a $10 upgrade option? Maybe but I understand why they aren't as it undermine the whole smart delivery concept.

With the $10 upgrade route you could in theory end up with two copies of the game on your PS5. Not a "bad" thing just kind of silly. Hopefully the PS5 will figure out away to hide the redundant last gen version. Either way, the problem would be remedied if Sony had their own smart delivery system rather than treating it as two separate titles. Thats where I think Sony messed up a little bit. I assume that Sony doesn't have the tech in place to support their own smart delivery since the SX physical includes the One version via a form of smart delivery but the PS5 physical version does not support PS4.

Activision, on the other hand, is totally messing things up. If they are taking price next gen they should just offer one $70 edition for Xbox and PS that give you both gens-via smart delivery on Xbox and with two licenses on PS. None of this $60 last gen version silliness.

PS5 version doesn't support PS4 because the PS4 lacks UHD BD drive.
In simple terms PS4 can't read PS5 discs.

 

[GHG]

PS5 version doesn't support PS4 because the PS4 lacks UHD BD drive.
In simple terms PS4 can't read PS5 discs.

That would also be the same situation for the OG Xbox One then no?

 

[ethomaz]

That would also be the same situation for the OG Xbox One then no?

Activision or MS seems to be using normal BD discs so it works on Xbox One.
That part is speculations but that is how some guys in ERA are thinking too.... if not then the Xbox Series X version won't work on original Xbox One.... just on S and X... and that seems not right.

Interesting, thought they were also making the jump to the higher capacity disks.

I added a bit more... the Xbox part is speculation but it is the only way to work on original Xbox One.
MS probably choose to use normal BD discs due disc having to work in all Xbox devices.

We only knows PS5 games are in UHD BD that can't be read by PS4 and Pro.

 

[GHG]

MS seems to be using normal BD discs so it works on Xbox One.

Interesting, thought they were also making the jump to the higher capacity disks.

 

[The_Mike]

Gears tactics still $60 here, but that sucks

Microsoft has region pricing on Steam. I call it steam tax though as it's cheaper on MS store.

 

[Journey]

I don't see what other choice Activision has since smart delivery doesn't allow you to charge for upgrades. Activision isn't going to let anyone play next gen COD for less than $70.

It could also be that since Xbox

Yep, MS started all this Smart Delivery mess that sounds good for them (buy 1 get all versions) but they were expecting Publishers and developers to do all this work and next-gen visuals for free?

They basically can't sell a next-gen version now, just buy the old one and get it for free. It's unfair for third-parties.

Control, COD etc is just the start of this huge mess they created. In the end, Xbox will be penalized because Publishers will just bypass smart delivery.

We shouldn't be paying $70 for games, just vote with your wallet. MS isn't penalizing Publishers, it's the Publisher trying to penalize gamers, MS had the right consumer approach.

 

[Evangelion Unit-01]

MS seems to be using normal BD discs so it works on Xbox One.

Yeah. Ideally Sony would do the same. It's not like the games are really on the discs anymore anyways with all the additional downloads and patches. I just don't think Sony has the tech in place right now to support something like smart delivery. Not a huge miss on Sony's part but a frustrating omission IMO.

Interesting, thought they were also making the jump to the higher capacity disks.

Presumably they will for games that aren't cross gen. Then again, with how much of games need to be downloaded/patched who knows.

 

[Journey]

I don't see what other choice Activision has since smart delivery doesn't allow you to charge for upgrades. Activision isn't going to let anyone play next gen COD for less than $70.

PC gamers?

 

[NullZ3r0]

I remember when people were saying that if Sony didn't announce an equivalent feature to "smart delivery" then it wasn't going to happen on the PS5.

What an interesting turn of events.

Sony's version is called "$mart Delivery". You pay $10 for 4K textures and the privilege to use your SSD.

 

[GHG]

Sony's version is called "$mart Delivery". You pay $10 for 4K textures and the privilege to use your SSD.

That seems like $alty delivery to me based on how you are describing it.

 

[Dr.Morris79]

And people hand their money over to these shit heads?

Bit sad really.

 

[NullZ3r0]

Yep, MS started all this Smart Delivery mess that sounds good for them (buy 1 get all versions) but they were expecting Publishers and developers to do all this work and next-gen visuals for free?

They basically can't sell a next-gen version now, just buy the old one and get it for free. It's unfair for third-parties.

Control, COD etc is just the start of this huge mess they created. In the end, Xbox will be penalized because Publishers will just bypass smart delivery.

It's not like they are building the game from the ground up for the next gen boxes. They are just being greedy and taking advantage of the lack of quality titles for launch consoles and cashing in. I can't stand COD games so this doesn't affect me.

 

[Journey]

I remember when people were saying that if Sony didn't announce an equivalent feature to "smart delivery" then it wasn't going to happen on the PS5.

What an interesting turn of events.

Smart Delivery was about buying the game on Xbox One and getting to play the upgraded assets on Series X at no extra cost, the system is designed to detect and automatically apply upgraded assets.

Being happy about what Activision is doing to applaud Sony is the worst form of fanboism, like stabbing yourself in the back lol.

 

[MagnesG]

You could still play Series X BC with Xbone copy right?

 

[thelastword]

I'm pretty sure Microsoft don't want companies charging for upgrades /patches.



Also PS5 games use a new disc format that isn't playable on PS4 so you can't have both games on the same disc unless it's a small game that could fit on a normal Blu-ray.

The latter seems to be more accurate as XBONES already had UHD Bluray....

As for the former, devs have no incentive to upgrade XBONES games to Series X games just because MS says so. They may not offer upgrades but just allow the XBONES game to work on Series X with no RT etc......MS BC will kick in and perhaps up the resolution etc......Devs can take that stance against smart delivery....It's better to entice devs with a popular platform and installbase, where they know their games will sell most. It's also better for devs to make that decision on their own to gain their own good will as opposed to trying to force the devs hand to adopt your smart delivery.....Entice is always nice, always better....

 

[Journey]

The latter seems to be more accurate as XBONES already had UHD Bluray....

As for the former, devs have no incentive to upgrade XBONES games to Series X games just because MS says so. They may not offer upgrades but just allow the XBONES game to work on Series X with no RT etc......MS BC will kick in and perhaps up the resolution etc......Devs can take that stance against smart delivery....It's better to entice devs with a popular platform and installbase, where they know their games will sell most. It's also better for devs to make that decision on their own to gain their own good will as opposed to trying to force the devs hand to adopt your smart delivery.....Entice is always nice, always better....

Problem is, Sony is not doing the enticing, but instead allowing Activision to get away with it.

 

[Effigenius]

Pro consumer Smart Delivery

Smart Delivery means you get to upgrade to the next gen version for free. Activision wants to charge $10 to upgrade, but MS won't let them charge for a patch, but Sony will. So yes actually, MS is being pro consumer by telling devs not to charge us for patches. If Sony decides to do it too we won't have to pay for them.

 

[thelastword]

Problem is, Sony is not doing the enticing, but instead allowing Activision to get away with it.

The platform and it's reception, it's history of sales is already enticing enough for Activision.......

They are doing a bit more for the PS5 and Series X version of the game over the current gen machines mind you...

 

[UltimateUnknown]

Not that I like it but at least now it makes sense as to why Activision is charging for an upgrade for next-gen versions.

Basically the current gen version of the game is $60 while next-gen is $70. In order to upgrade you pay them the difference of $10, so really they are just getting the full price of the next-gen game when upgrading, and not making you re-buy the game as many thought before.

If you plan on upgrading to SEX in the future, you really should just buy the SEX version of the game to begin with since you can use it to play the game on the Xbone.

 

[Bryank75]

If you're getting this and a PS5, the best version to buy is probably the 100 euro ultimate edition, includes loads of skins, weapons, a season pass, 20 level skips and the PS5 version.

Cross gen is 75 euro, just 5 more than the base digital ps4 version. Not bad.

Multiplayer seems to have tanks, boats and attack helicopters.... Nice!

 

[UltimateUnknown]

Smart Delivery means you get to upgrade to the next gen version for free. Activision wants to charge $10 to upgrade, but MS won't let them charge for a patch, but Sony will. So yes actually, MS is being pro consumer by telling devs not to charge us for patches. If Sony decides to do it too we won't have to pay for them.

Is MS selling the SEX version for $70?

If they allow current gen buyers to get the game for $60 and then upgrade for free while making next-gen adopters pay $70 up front, that is completely unfair for next-gen buyers. And why would anyone in that case buy the next-gen version - just buy current gen and upgrade for a lower price. If MS was truly pro-consumer they would boycott Activision and other companies from increasing the price of next-gen games to begin with, not screw over next-gen buyers.

But of course, I bet neither Sony or MS care companies are increasing the price of games because they get a cut of it as well.

 

[Effigenius]

Is MS selling the SEX version for $70?

If they allow current gen buyers to get the game for $60 and then upgrade for free while making next-gen adopters pay $70 up front, that is completely unfair for next-gen buyers. And why would anyone in that case buy the next-gen version - just buy current gen and upgrade for a lower price. If MS was truly pro-consumer they would boycott Activision and other companies from increasing the price of next-gen games to begin with, not screw over next-gen buyers.

But of course, I bet neither Sony or MS care companies are increasing the price of games because they get a cut of it as well.

That's easily solved by not raising their next gen games to $70. Charging $70 for next gen games is absurd and I hope companies don't get away with it.

 

[Journey]

That's easily solved by not raising their next gen games to $70. Charging $70 for next gen games is absurd and I hope companies don't get away with it.

BINGO

Charging $70 for next gen games wasn't part of the original plan when Smart Delivery was conceived.

 

[Arun1910]

Whats the difference though?

Pay £70 for the upgradable path for PS4 to PS5.

Pay £70 for the xbox one/series x edition.

 

[GHG]

Smart Delivery was about buying the game on Xbox One and getting to play the upgraded assets on Series X at no extra cost, the system is designed to detect and automatically apply upgraded assets.

Being happy about what Activision is doing to applaud Sony is the worst form of fanboism, like stabbing yourself in the back lol.

If I'm to get the game I'll get it on PC like all my other 3rd party titles. Thankfully we don't need to deal with such nonsense.

It's just been funny watching people eat up PR bullcrap as usual. It's like they don't learn.

Whats the difference though?

Pay £70 for the upgradable path for PS4 to PS5.

Pay £70 for the xbox one/series x edition.

The difference is that one has a label and marketing behind it and the other one doesn't. That's literally it.

 

[Dibils2k]

oh its only £5 extra here...

i mean do they really need those extra £5 so bad that they are willing to risk pissing some people off??? they already have microtransactions so not like they dont make money after purchase

 

[GHG]

oh its only £5 extra here...

i mean do they really need those extra £5 so bad that they are willing to risk pissing some people off??? they already have microtransactions so not like they dont make money after purchase

They're doing it because they can and they know people will still buy it.

By the middle of the generation this will be standard pricing for console games as all the other publishers jump on the bandwagon. No doubt some people will justify it by saying "but inflation" and "but rising development costs" while ignoring the fact that these companies now make more money than ever due to things like microtransactions which you mentioned.

 

[DarthFeanor]

That is an unnecessary confusion.

Would be better for Activision to change $70 for every version of the game and move on, taking the hit. For better or worse.

 

[MrFunSocks]

Is MS selling the SEX version for $70?

If they allow current gen buyers to get the game for $60 and then upgrade for free while making next-gen adopters pay $70 up front, that is completely unfair for next-gen buyers. And why would anyone in that case buy the next-gen version - just buy current gen and upgrade for a lower price. If MS was truly pro-consumer they would boycott Activision and other companies from increasing the price of next-gen games to begin with, not screw over next-gen buyers.

But of course, I bet neither Sony or MS care companies are increasing the price of games because they get a cut of it as well.

MS isn't selling anything, it's an Activision game. The problem is Activision, not MS.

 

[Three]

Exactly what the OP is showing.... no upgrade path for Xbox users... I'm not in the green side but I found that very amusing from Activion.

Why Activision?

It's because MS blocked this option. Maybe in the hope of getting them to upgrade for free but it has backfired big time.

Xbox has told developers that they cannot charge players to upgrade their current-gen games to Xbox Series X versions as DLC, as an alternative to its

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/next-gen-game-upgrades-should-be-free-xbox-tells-developers/amp/?__twitter_impression=true This is messy, because the article goes on to say "However, developers and publishers who choose not to support Smart Delivery can still offer owners of...

www.neogaf.com

 

[Explosive Zombie]

MS isn't selling anything, it's an Activision game. The problem is Activision, not MS.

It's both actually, but you'll protect MS anyway you can.

 

[IDappa]

The latter seems to be more accurate as XBONES already had UHD Bluray....

As for the former, devs have no incentive to upgrade XBONES games to Series X games just because MS says so. They may not offer upgrades but just allow the XBONES game to work on Series X with no RT etc......MS BC will kick in and perhaps up the resolution etc......Devs can take that stance against smart delivery....It's better to entice devs with a popular platform and installbase, where they know their games will sell most. It's also better for devs to make that decision on their own to gain their own good will as opposed to trying to force the devs hand to adopt your smart delivery.....Entice is always nice, always better....

Sony is the best we know bro.

Anyway.. Unfortunate Sony couldn't have a stance like Microsoft, would of been pro consumer of them. Activision has just skirted around microsofts policy to be greedy which isn't very surprising. Funny thing is the next gen versions will probably be only a minimal upgrade compared to the PS4 and x1x versions.

I'm just gonna do what I did last gen refresh and not commit to any games until the consoles come out.

 

[Yoboman]

Microsoft being anti consumer again?

 

[Three]

Sony is the best we know bro.

Anyway.. Unfortunate Sony couldn't have a stance like Microsoft, would of been pro consumer of them. Activision has just skirted around microsofts policy to be greedy which isn't very surprising. Funny thing is the next gen versions will probably be only a minimal upgrade compared to the PS4 and x1x versions.

I'm just gonna do what I did last gen refresh and not commit to any games until the consoles come out.

MS stance in all honesty was stupid. They were really trying to remove the concept of generations and have publishers foot the bill for developing on next gen and XB1 which they could have done if they wanted to. Nothing stopped publishers offering free upgrades already. Stopping them from offering an upgrade path though was stupid because of course they would rather do that.