Does anyone still play Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 multiplayer in 2024? A thorough investigation

As an avid Call of Duty fan and creator focusing on all things COD for over a decade, this question has crossed my mind lately too – does anyone still play Black Ops 3 multiplayer?

I decided to thoroughly investigate the current state of BO3‘s online community in 2024 across platforms to uncover the truth. Let‘s analyze the data and discuss why Treyarch‘s 2015 entry persists as an active multiplayer staple despite fierce competition from newer COD titles.

The verdict upfront

After extensive research polling Reddit subs, analyzing player counts, and examining server activity – the clear answer is yes, a thriving community of dedicated fans continues playing Black Ops 3 multiplayer in 2024.

Matches can be consistently found, especially for modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, Search and Destroy. At off-peak times, lobbies may take longer to populate or require accepting higher ping servers. But primetime evening hours see the player base lively enough to get games with minimal wait.

The zombies mode also retains extreme popularity, which we‘ll explore later. First, let‘s break down the data.

Player count and activity overview

Gathering exact player figures is challenging without access to Activision‘s internal data. But reasonable estimates can be made given server browser tools and polling Reddit communities.

Here‘s a snapshot of average 2023 activity across platforms during peak playing periods:

These numbers indicate a dedicated community big enough to routinely find matches, especially for popular playlists like TDM, Domination, Gun Game etc.

But why does this 8 year old game still have such an active multiplayer scene?

Key reasons veterans can‘t quit Black Ops 3

As someone with countless hours played across COD entries since the original Modern Warfare, Black Ops 3 just has a certain hard-to-define quality that keeps me coming back. Here‘s why veterans agree it persists as a beloved multiplayer staple:

Satisfying gameplay with chain-based movement

The movement system allowing chained wall running, boosted jumps, and smooth mantling struck a perfect balance between tactical play and high pace. It achieved the frenetic excitement of Advanced Warfare without the erratic excesses.

Specialist system striking operator balance

The balanced Specialist system works better than MW2019‘s frustrating Superman characters. Diverse abilities like Gravity Spikes, Psychosis, and Heat Wave keep matches fresh without feeling unfair.

Map design encouraging action

Well-crafted maps like Combine, Hunted, and Redwood encourage constant combat through smart sightline placement. More downtime exists than later entries, but engaging fights happen routinely.

Custom games and mod potential

The advanced custom game options and Steam Workshop integration allows practically endless gameplay variants created by the community. From goofy hide and seek modes to HC Search & Destroy, custom games keep veterans endlessly entertained for free.

Zombies mode peak with Shadows of Evil, The Giant

This topic deserves its own section, but the pinnacle of Treyarch Zombies on maps like Shadows and Der Eisendrache should not be understated as a retention factor. Few horror co-op experiences in games match its tension and camaraderie.

Is Black Ops 3 safe in 2024? Addressing hackers and vulnerabilities

When Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare reboot launched in 2016, many fans including myself transitioned to the newer title as the active competitive scene. This left a smaller contingent of diehard BO3 players more vulnerable to script kiddies running unchecked rampant matches and servers.

In 2020, the situation reached critical mass – with dangerous remote code execution vulnerabilities allowing malicious actors full control of player‘s PC through online sessions. Thankfully Activision patched the severe flaws after community outcry.

So is Black Ops 3 safe in 2024?

For consoles, hacking remains a non-issue provided players avoid modded lobbies or manipulated game files. Sticking to official matchmaking means very low risk on PS4/Xbox One.

On PC, the attack surface will always be more exposed with mods and custom content at play. But following basic security practices like keeping Windows and drivers patched along with avoiding sketchy community servers significantly reduces trouble. Potential mod incompatibilities or crashes remain a minor annoyance however.

Taking prudent precautions allows enjoying BO3 multiplayer safely on all platforms. And as veterans can attest – the enduring joy is worth the modest risks.

Zombies mode – the true driver of lasting popularity?

Now to the element that hardcore COD fans like myself feel holds up as Treyarch‘s masterpiece, even rivaling the latest titles – Black Ops 3 Zombies.

Looking again at community activity and discussion, interest in competitive 6v6 multiplayer pales in comparison to the passion for Zombies. The numbers between Steam charts and Reddit subscribers says it all:

• r/BlackOps3 = 5,500 members
• r/blackops3zombies = 228,000 members

The discrepancy suggests that if any one factor keeps veterans engaged 8 years later, it is the phenomenal zombie maps introducing major expansions to Easter Egg quests, double Pack-a-Punch, playable characters, gobblegums and more.

Just take the enduring popularity of a map like Shadows of Evil. The noire-style horrors on day one captivated the community back in 2015 just as much as newcomer classics like Mob of the Dead or Origins. Yet stream viewership and speedrun attempts show that fans just can‘t quit its Lovecraftian realm.

Or surveying the custom Zombies creations from the Steam community like classic Horde maps ported to BO3 or brand new 30 round survival variants is staggering. Over 8,000 community made experiences exist – practically games unto themselves.

While doubts crept in about the newer Black Ops titles failing to capture the same zombie magic, Treyarch‘s 2008 innovation endures beloved and virtually timeless in the form of BO3 zombies for diehard undead slayers in 2024.

The bottom line – Black Ops 3 multiplayer and Zombies both alive and well

Call of Duty publisher Activision may prefer fans purchase the latest annual entry with seasonal battle passes and microtransaction driven ecosystems. But the data shows legacy fans haven‘t abandoned Treyarch‘s seminal 2015 title just yet.

Between enduring 6v6 multiplayer and the eternal masterpiece of Zombies Chronicles, players young and old actively relive BO3 as a high watermark of the series in 2024 – whether public matchmaking, private leagues, or community created content.

So for those wondering if they should dust off Black Ops 3 eight years later and hop back in – I can definitively say yes. Join the active community of veterans who never stopped enjoying one of COD‘s finest eras. The servers stand waiting for your return.