Activision Changes Course on Black Ops 7
Activision and Treyarch are implementing significant modifications to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, just under 12 weeks ahead of its November release. The quirky cosmetics from Black Ops 6 will not be carried over to the sequel, despite earlier commitments. According to the developers, this adjustment ensures that Black Ops 7 remains “authentic to Call of Duty and its setting.”
Community Feedback Acknowledged
On August 26, Treyarch released an extensive community update on the official Call of Duty website, expressing gratitude to fans for their feedback and recognizing ongoing discussions about crossover skins and peculiar cosmetic options in video games.
“We understand that there has been substantial discussion about the identity of Call of Duty,” the studio acknowledged. “Many of you feel we’ve strayed from what made Call of Duty unique: immersive, intense, and grounded gameplay. We hear you and take this feedback seriously.”
Concerns Over Cosmetics
Players expressed anxiety that the bizarre cosmetics and crossover skins from Black Ops 6 could alter Black Ops 7 into a Fortnite-like experience. Initially, plans were in place for skins from BLOPS 6, including characters like Beavis and Butt-Head, to transition to BLOPS 7, but this has since changed.
Content Carryover Update
Treyarch confirmed, “Operators, Operator Skins, and Weapons from Black Ops 6 will not carry into Black Ops 7. The new game needs to feel authentic to the franchise. However, Double XP tokens and GobbleGums will transfer over, acknowledging the importance of your time and progression.”
Future Cosmetic Changes
The developers stated that they have already implemented a considerable amount of feedback into Black Ops 7. Future cosmetic bundles will be designed to align more closely with the Black Ops identity. Treyarch emphasized, “We hear the feedback and aim to achieve a better balance toward the immersive Call of Duty experience.”
Impact of Battlefield 6
Players have long criticized the direction of Call of Duty skins and cosmetics. The timing of this change, so close to the game’s launch, likely stems from increased competition with Battlefield 6, which has received positive reception since its recent open beta. EA’s shooter offers a more grounded and realistic military experience, contrasting sharply with the whimsical elements of the latest Call of Duty titles.
As Battlefield 6 commits to a more serious aesthetic, it remains to be seen whether Call of Duty can recalibrate its approach and reclaim its unique identity in the gaming landscape.
