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Call Of Duty: Black Ops III Starter Pack Hits Steam For Limited Time

by Mike Futter on Feb 16, 2016 at 10:57 AM

Activision is trying an experiment to bring more people into Black Ops III on PC. The publisher is offering a multiplayer starter pack for a limited time on Steam.

Now through February 29, you’ll be able to pick the $15 multiplayer-only version. It includes ranked play, the weapon paint shop, gunsmith, arena, freerun mode, the theater, and the black market. It does not include Zombies, the campaign, custom matches, unranked play, and mod support (when released).

You also won’t be able to prestige using the starter pack. You’ll be capped at level 55. If you decide to upgrade, the $15 cost of the starter pack will be deducted from the purchase price of the full version of Black Ops III.

For more, check out our review of the most recent Call of Duty game.

 

Our Take
The purchase price seems fair, and this is a clever way to boost Black Ops III player counts on Steam. However, I’m reminded that demos used to be a regular part of gaming. I’m not upset that this type of experiment has replaced demos (I’m realistic about the costs and potential yields they offer). It’s simply interesting how the market has adapted to digital storefronts and connected gaming.