There are some things you can always rely on, and a new Call of Duty game coming out each year is one of them.
As one of the best-known names in video games, it's a series that needs little introduction. According to publisher Activision, it's sold an estimated 500 million copies, a movie adaptation is on the way, and despite having launched in 2003 it still reliably appears at - or near - the top of the annual bestseller charts.
But this year the world's top military shooter might have a fight on its hands. Battlefield 6, which has been a huge hit for rival gaming giant Electronic Arts, has been drawing attention away from its veteran competitor.
Long-time Call of Duty fans have been increasingly vocal over worries about the series losing touch with its roots. The clash of the multiplayer titans comes at an interesting time for the makers of Call of Duty, who've had to issue responses to fan concerns about the series losing its way.
It has long offered players the chance to purchase operator skins that change their character's appearance. They’re a frequent source of brand crossovers, with previous designs based on stars including footballer Neymar Jr, streamer NickMercs, and rapper Nicki Minaj. However, when Activision revealed skins based on '90s cartoon characters Beavis and Butthead earlier this year, there was a backlash. Fans accused the company of trying to mimic Fortnite, leading to responses from Activision that acknowledged the concerns.
Activision is also releasing the game after parent company Microsoft increased the prices of its Game Pass subscription service by 20%, which angered many players.
In a chat with lead producer Natalie Pohorski and senior communications director Stephanie Snowdon, the focus turned towards Black Ops 7's single-player story campaign, which aims to deliver a blockbuster-style narrative that engages players.
Set in 2035, Black Ops 7 follows the story of global terrorism and tech shadow players, further expanding its narrative depth. With big stars like Kiernan Shipka and Milo Ventimiglia in the cast, expectations are high.
While campaigns are crucial, the series' ultimate success hinges on its multiplayer offerings. As we look ahead, players are eager to see if Black Ops 7 can live up to its storied legacy, especially against formidable competitors like Battlefield 6.
