Xbox One fans hoping for popular backward-compatible games like Call of Duty: Black Ops may soon get their wish. A recent leak suggests that the game could be close to launch.
The Spanish website Solo Xbox One shared images showing the Black Ops – Annihilation Pack 3 appearing in some users’ “Ready to Install” section on Xbox One. This happens occasionally for Xbox 360 games nearing release on Xbox One, like when Age of Booty appeared early in January’s lineup.
Microsoft recently changed how backward-compatible games are released. Instead of adding new games in a monthly batch, they’ll now release each title as it’s ready. The Xbox team confirmed that they’ll release games as soon as they pass technical checks and get publisher approval, so fans can access them sooner.
Although some promised titles, like the BioShock series and Halo Wars, are still missing, games like Tekken Tag Tournament 2 have also shown up on users’ consoles as ready to install. This backward compatibility feature, launched at E3 2015, has been popular, with Xbox One owners logging over 21 million hours playing Xbox 360 games.
Some Xbox 360 games, however, experience performance issues on Xbox One. Halo: Reach and Mass Effect show slowdowns, while Gears of War: Judgment struggles with serious frame drops. On the bright side, games like Hydro Thunder and Condemned actually run more smoothly on the newer console.
Mark Parker is the owner and lead author at ICXM.net, a news site for gaming, technology, and entertainment. With over 20 years of gaming experience, Mark has clocked over 10,000 hours playing titles like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza Horizon. He’s a PC and Xbox enthusiast, having built custom gaming rigs and Xbox consoles to fuel his passion for immersive gameplay. From analyzing hardware to reviewing AAA games, Mark combines technical know-how with a deep love for gaming. At ICXM.net, he shares industry insights, hands-on reviews, and breaking news for a loyal audience of gaming fans.