There are few things you can always count on in the gaming world. One of them has been the sheer power of the Call of Duty franchise. But after years of dominating the scene, even it has faced challenges recently, particularly with its latest release, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Call of Duty first launched in 2003, and since 2007, it has consistently delivered a new title every year. Between 2009 and 2024, it was the bestselling game 13 out of 16 times. With over 500 million copies sold as of October 2023, it ranks just behind Tetris and Mario in total sales.
However, Black Ops 7 has had a rough reception. Critics gave it one of the lowest scores in the franchise—a stark contrast to earlier titles like Black Ops 6, which was well-received due to its engaging story and innovative gameplay mechanics. This year’s game, however, left players disappointed with a confusing single-player campaign that was criticized for its lack of coherence. Fans expressed their frustration on social media, pointing out flaws in the characters and the overall story.
Despite these issues, many players enjoyed the multiplayer and zombies modes in Black Ops 7, helping it still become the bestselling game in November 2025. This marked 18 consecutive years of dominance for Call of Duty in its release month. Yet, according to market research from Circana, sales were down significantly compared to Black Ops 6.
Competing games also entered the fray this year. Battlefield 6, which launched in October, received great reviews and managed to pull in eager players. Similarly, ARC Raiders, a new entry by Embark Studios, caught everyone’s attention with its unique gameplay, combining both cooperative and competitive elements.
Experts suggest that Battlefield 6 succeeded with a more grounded approach, returning to basics that resonated with fans of the franchise. It shifted back to what players love about Battlefield: large maps, vehicles, and destructible environments. This has pulled in both old fans and new players, leading to a refreshing resurgence.
In contrast, while Call of Duty has consistently aimed for annual releases, the faster pace sometimes leads to fatigue among players. Expert analysts believe the multiple studios under the Activision umbrella helped mitigate risks, but recent games have felt repetitive. The varying development timelines of franchises like Battlefield allowed for deeper innovation, resulting in games that seem fresher and more engaging.
ARC Raiders brought another level of competition. With its emphasis on survival and crafting in a future world, it attracted players looking for something different from traditional FPS games. The community around ARC Raiders has also garnered praise, with players generally fostering a supportive environment, a refreshing shift in multiplayer gaming.
Looking ahead, both Battlefield 6 and ARC Raiders are set to receive ongoing updates and seasonal content, ensuring that player interest remains high. Meanwhile, Call of Duty plans to change its annual release strategy to provide unique experiences in the future, indicating that the franchise acknowledges its current challenges.
Despite setbacks, analysts feel that Call of Duty remains a staple in the gaming world, with millions of devoted players. Its path to recovery may require time and innovation, but if history is anything to go by, Call of Duty has the potential to rebuild its legacy.
In short, while challenges abound, the gaming landscape continues to evolve, offering new experiences that keep players engaged. Whether it’s Call of Duty, Battlefield, or rising stars like ARC Raiders, the future of competitive gaming is bright.
