Key Takeaways
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- Black Ops 7 underperformed compared to its predecessor in terms of sales and daily active users, leading to concerns for Activision.
- In response to the underperformance, Activision is offering a free week-long trial and discounts on Black Ops 7 to boost sales, as well as a special Game Pass Ultimate deal.
- The release of Battlefield 6 in 2025 presents further competition for Call of Duty.
- The Call of Duty franchise is facing challenges due to evolving player habits and market dynamics, leading to a shift in strategy including ending back-to-back releases in the Modern Warfare and Black Ops series.
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Struggling Call of Duty Franchise Offers Discounts and Free Trial to Boost Black Ops 7 Sales
Activision and its Call of Duty studios are facing a significant challenge that will likely shape the future of this renowned gaming franchise. The latest installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, has been generally well-received by players, with many appreciating the Endgame and Zombies modes, despite some glitches. However, it underperformed its predecessor on Steam, selling 401,000 copies compared to Black Ops 6’s 2.3 million. Daily active user numbers also appear weaker for Black Ops 7 compared to the previous three Call of Duty titles. The release of Battlefield 6 in 2025 presented further competition. In response, Activision is offering a free weeklong trial for Black Ops 7’s multiplayer mode from December 16–22. They have also reduced the price of Black Ops 7 by up to 30%, bringing the standard edition to $49 and the Vault Edition to $80. New players can also access a special Game Pass Ultimate deal for just $1 for the first month.
Struggling Call of Duty Franchise Faces Challenges with Black Ops 7 Amidst European Gaming Slump
Black Ops 7 launched on November 14, 2025, debuting on Game Pass similarly to Black Ops 6. However, contrary to expectations, the release did not increase monthly players; in fact, Europe saw a decrease. According to Chris Dring of The Game Business, November was a difficult month for gaming in Europe. While a new Battlefield battle royale had little impact and console sales declined, Fortnite and Anno 187 performed well. Dring noted that Call of Duty had more players in October than in November, suggesting that Black Ops 7 failed to attract significant player interest, even with its inclusion on Game Pass. This is a concern for Activision, considering its substantial investment in the Call of Duty franchise. Recent trends suggest players are spending more time in existing games, especially free-to-play titles, creating challenges for new releases.
Challenges Facing Call of Duty Franchise’s Restructuring amidst Evolving Player Habits and Market Dynamics
Activision is ending the back-to-back releases in their Modern Warfare and Black Ops series due to Black Ops 7’s lower player engagement compared to its predecessor. According to developers within the Call of Duty community, this restructuring may allow teams to take creative risks that were previously limited by strict release schedules. This suggests that even Call of Duty is not immune to the challenges facing new releases in the current gaming landscape, despite its arrival on the Game Pass platform. These changes indicate a significant shift in strategy for Activision and the Call of Duty franchise, as they adapt to evolving player habits and market dynamics.
In Case You Missed It
In our never-ending quest to keep you up-to-date with the latest happenings in the gaming world, we’ve got three fantastic reads that you simply mustn’t miss. Kicking things off is Sophie Laurent’s recent article on Players for Life, “Nearly 10 Years Later, The Division Gets a PS5 Patch” Nearly 10 Years Later, The Division Gets a PS5 Patch. Published just yesterday, Sophie dives into Ubisoft’s long-overdue update to the PlayStation 5 version of Tom Clancy’s The Division. Fans can now enjoy smoother gameplay at 60 fps with enhanced performance bringing quicker combat responses and crisper visuals to this beloved post-apocalyptic title. It’s the perfect excuse to dive back into New York City’s snowy streets!
Next up, Bruno Pferd publishes “Silent Hill Prepared for a Radical Shift for the Sequel” Silent Hill Prepared for a Radical Shift for the Sequel. In this insightful piece, Bruno explores Konami’s bold decision to relocate Silent Hill from its traditional American settings to Ebisu Goko in Japan. The article delves into how this shift aims to incorporate more Japanese horror elements and create an uncomfortable atmosphere, appealing to fans worldwide. Donell Tucker and Motoi Okamoto are interviewed regarding their visions for future installments that could span across different cultures and continents.
Lastly, after diving into the thrilling world of The Witcher 4’s development journey in our latest post, we’re thrilled to point you towards Marcus Thompson’s recent deep dive into another highly anticipated title. In his article “The Elder Scrolls 6 Officially Resumes Communications 7 Years After Announcement” The Elder Scrolls 6 Officially Resumes Communications 7 Years After Announcement, published on December 17, Marcus explores the latest insights from Angela Browder, Todd Howard, and Emil Pagliarulo on the progress of The Elder Scrolls 6. Don’t miss out on this exciting update as we wait patiently for our return to Tamriel!
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