Activision’s recent release of Call of Duty: Black Ops ports for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 was meant to be a nostalgic win for the franchise's fanbase. However, less than a week after launch, the experience is being described by many as “unplayable” due to widespread exploits and technical instability.

While fans were initially excited to revisit the classic titles, the ports have drawn criticism for their high price point and the lack of meaningful updates or technical improvements. These concerns have now been overshadowed by the state of the multiplayer servers, which are currently being overtaken by players using modded lobbies to manipulate game progression.

Quick Facts

  • Platforms: The new ports are available on PS4 and PS5.
  • The Exploit: Players are using modded lobbies to instantly reach max rank by repeatedly killing themselves with grenades and exiting matches.
  • Match Impact: Because teams are forfeiting as players repeatedly leave, legitimate matches are being ruined by empty lobbies and disrupted gameplay.

Multiplayer Lobbies Compromised

The core of the frustration stems from an XP farming method that has effectively broken the game's progression and competitive integrity. As noted by industry observers and players on social media, users are entering Black Ops lobbies, blowing themselves up with grenades immediately upon spawning, and then quitting the match. If enough players on an enemy team quit simultaneously, the remaining team wins by default due to a forfeit.

This cycle of joining, dying, and quitting is causing major disruptions. One player noted that Black Ops Ground War has been "literally ruined" by this behavior, with lobbies constantly cycling through players who are only there to exploit the system rather than play the game.

A Disappointing Outcome

The situation has sparked a debate within the community regarding the nature of these ports. Many fans who spent years begging for modern accessibility to older Call of Duty titles are now pointing out the irony of the current state of the game. Critics argue that after years of complaining about the state of modern Call of Duty, some players are immediately resorting to exploits the moment they are given access to the older games.

Given that the ports were released with minimal effort or modernization, there is significant skepticism regarding whether Activision will provide the moderation or updates necessary to address these exploits. For now, while some functional lobbies remain, the overall experience is marred by the constant presence of players farming for rank in the killfeed. It remains to be seen if the player base will sustain interest in these ports once the initial novelty of the re-release wears off and the impact of these exploits continues to degrade the experience.