Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IV Tops Steam China Chart Ahead of Massive Beta

Summary

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare IV, also known as COD23, has surged to the top of Steam's China bestseller list, surpassing the previously pre-ordered Phantom Blade Zero. This spike is driven by the official announcement of the largest beta test in the series' history, set to begin early tomorrow morning. The beta will roll out in two phases: the early-access phase runs from 2:00 AM Beijing time on August 22 to 1:00 AM on August 26, open to players who have pre-ordered on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. At 0:00 on August 22, a COD NEXT live stream will debut the beta content globally. This year, the developer has invited over 20 Chinese content creators to the event site to share their hands-on impressions with local fans. The beta's massive scale and timing have driven pre-order sales, highlighting how test events can boost commercial momentum. For players, participating in the beta offers an early look at maps, weapons, and mechanics, helping them make informed purchase decisions. For the industry, it demonstrates the continued effectiveness of pre-launch testing in generating revenue and engaging the community. As one of the year's most anticipated FPS titles, this beta's performance will likely influence the game's reception and market position at launch.