Modern Warfare 2 and 3 removed from Call of Duty HQ launcher, clearing space for Black Ops 7

It's no secret that Call of Duty HQ is not popular with many fans of the first-person shooter franchise. The launcher can make it easier to manage content, but it can also eat up storage space. Purchasing Modern Warfare 2 or 3 on marketplaces like Steam requires sharing assets between the titles. Activision is now removing the two Call of Duty games from the launcher, allowing players to install them individually.

On social media, Activision revealed that the change would take effect starting on July 29th. Players must redownload the games, but then can launch them like standalone titles outside the launcher. Without taking action, content related to Modern Warfare 2 and 3 will vanish on August 7th. However, Call of Duty: Warzone weapons and operators from these releases will remain available.

Call of Duty HQ launched in November 2023 on PC and consoles. Steam fans especially find it a nuisance, as it intertwines files from multiple titles. Besides the added installation sizes, gamers find it takes too many extra clicks to play individual Call of Duty games. Users on Valve's marketplace normally can boot a selection from their libraries without prolonged loading times.

Having to use an additional clunky launcher is not an issue exclusive to Modern Warfare. Still, when the program hosts a limited number of games, it seems like an unnecessary annoyance.

While the news shared on social media is welcome, Call of Duty HQ is unlikely to be decommissioned anytime soon. Instead, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is lurking, waiting to take center stage. With a rumored November release date, Activision will reveal more details about the shooter at the August 19th Gamescom.