Activision launches multiplayer-only version of Black Ops III

Activision has released a multiplayer-only version of its latest Call of Duty title, Black Ops III, onto Steam's Windows store. 

The "Multiplayer Starter Pack" is a bare bones package that gives players access to ranked multiplayer matches and a number of features such as the arena, theater, gunsmith, black market, and weapon paint shop, for $15 (£11.59). 

The pack will only be available until February 29, and won't feature the game's main campaign, zombie mode, or certain other multiplayer features such as the ability to prestige and play in custom games. 

This isn't the first time Activision has toyed with the idea of releasing a multiplayer-only Call of Duty package. 

In September last year the publisher removed the main campaign from last-gen versions of Black Ops III, making it the first Call of Duty game to launch without a single player story mode in the history of the franchise. 

Back then Activision explained the campaign had to be removed because of its "ambitious" nature, although no such explanation has been offered this time around.