Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Surges in Players After 90% Steam Discount

Steam’s Spring Sale featured an unusually deep cut for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The 90% Steam discount dropped the 2019 reboot to just £4.99, and it triggered surges in players on the platform.

Discount details and rivals

Such a steep markdown is rare for Call of Duty releases on Steam. For comparison, 2012’s Black Ops 2 was reduced by 67 percent, falling to £13.19 during the same sale.

Player numbers and platform comparison

Following the sale, Modern Warfare reached a 24-hour peak of 57,959 concurrent players. Games listed in the Call of Duty app logged a 24-hour peak of 50,325 players during the same window.

These totals reflect PC activity only and exclude console users. At the moment, Modern Warfare’s concurrent count exceeded EA’s Battlefield 6, though BF6 maintains a higher historical 24-hour peak.

Context and possible motives

Activision currently treats the 2019 reboot as outside its main Call of Duty HQ app. The title is effectively regarded as obsolete by the publisher.

Industry observers suggest the deep discount may aim to attract new players ahead of future releases. Rumors point to a new Modern Warfare numbered entry slated for 2026, making the timing strategic.

Commercial backdrop

The franchise has faced a mixed reception recently after Black Ops 7. Despite that, Call of Duty remained one of 2025’s top-grossing game releases.

Filmogaz.com reports this pricing experiment underscores how aggressive discounts can reshape player counts. Whether the surge proves lasting will depend on follow-up promotions and upcoming franchise moves.