In a turn of events, Treyarch's Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 has surged into Xbox's top 10 best-selling games for February, as reported by market research firm Circana. Released in 2015, Black Ops 3 was among the last of the series to adopt the controversial 'jetpack' movement mechanics.

Speculation has been rife among fans about the potential return of jetpacks in future Call of Duty titles. Activision has been cautious about reintroducing this feature due to its divisive impact on the community, polarizing traditionalists and enthusiasts of the enhanced mobility offered by jetpacks. The omission of futuristic movement systems was reinforced by the success of 2019's Modern Warfare and subsequent releases, which emphasized grounded gameplay. Nevertheless, the allure of jetpack-centric gameplay seems to be luring fans back to this particular Call of Duty installment.

A snapshot of Circana's sales report for Xbox in February shared by CharlieINTEL reveals Black Ops 3 climbing to the 10th position from 17th in January. The game now stands shoulder to shoulder with heavyweights like Elden Ring and EA Sports FC 24. Black Ops 3 has garnered a devoted following among players seeking a departure from the conventional Call of Duty formula, which has shunned jetpacks since 2017. While some fans still hold Black Ops 2 and 1 in higher regard than Black Ops 3, users find it more accessible when transitioning from the series' recent titles.

Surprising Sales of Black Ops 3 on Xbox

This resurgence of the nine-year-old game, renowned for its dynamic gameplay and popular Zombies mode, is a remarkable feat. Apart from its commendable Xbox sales, Black Ops 3 has witnessed a resurgence on Steam, boasting a user peak of over 9,000 players in the past month, a rarity for a game of its age. Meanwhile, fans of Treyarch eagerly anticipate the studio's 2024 installment of Call of Duty, rumored to be set in the early 1990s during the Gulf War, signaling a return to traditional movement mechanics.

For enthusiasts of jetpack gameplay, hope remains alive for Call of Duty 2025, purportedly a sequel to Black Ops 2 set in the year 2030. While unconfirmed, this premise hints at a potential reintroduction of jetpacks, a prospect that might entice Activision given the enduring popularity of Black Ops 3. However, it's crucial to note that this is mere speculation at this juncture.