Activision Responds to Call of Duty Fans: Is the Series Losing Its Identity?

Activision’s recent announcement has shocked many: players won’t be able to transfer any characters, weapons, or skins from Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to Black Ops 7. This move suggests a shift in direction for the franchise, likely influenced by feedback about its identity drifting away from the core gameplay.

In a blog post, Activision acknowledged the ongoing conversations about the series. They expressed awareness that fans feel Call of Duty has strayed from its roots of immersive and intense gameplay. “Some of you have said we’ve drifted from what made Call of Duty unique,” they stated, noting that this concern is taken to heart.

The developers at Treyarch and Raven aim to craft a game reminiscent of Black Ops 2, but they are also keen to take risks. Initially, there was talk about carrying forward content from previous games, but that has changed. Now, operators and weapons from Black Ops 6 will not transition to Black Ops 7, emphasizing authenticity to the series’ established setting.

This announcement comes on the heels of Battlefield 6‘s reveal, where the developers made a clear statement aimed at contrasting with Call of Duty. They promised a focus on “grounded” cosmetics, steering away from the more eccentric elements seen in previous Call of Duty games, like stoner sloths and celebrity skins.

Shashank Uchil, the design director for Battlefield 6, highlighted this focus on realism: “Let’s keep it real, keep it grounded.” This sentiment reflects a noticeable trend among players favoring authenticity over outlandish features.

In recent years, Call of Duty has embraced a variety of whimsical skins, which have divided opinions among the fanbase. While some enjoyed these quirky offerings, others argued they detracted from the game’s serious tone. Revenue from these skins remains significant for the in-game store, and it will be interesting to see how Activision balances this with the push for a more authentic experience in Black Ops 7.

The game is set to launch on November 14 across multiple platforms, with a multiplayer beta scheduled for October.

A recent survey suggested that 67% of Call of Duty players welcome a move toward more grounded content. As the gaming landscape evolves, it’s clear that players are looking for a meaningful connection to the games they play. Activision’s next steps will be crucial in shaping the future of the franchise.

For more details, you can check out the official community update here.

Source link