Gaming Industry Context
Activision's Call of Duty series, established in 2003, is an annual release in the video game market. The franchise has sold an estimated 500 million copies and consistently ranks among top-selling titles. A film adaptation based on the series is also reported to be in development.
The latest installment, Black Ops 7, enters a competitive market. Electronic Arts' Battlefield 6 has recently gained player attention. Concurrently, Call of Duty fans have expressed concerns regarding the series' direction.
Fan Feedback and Developer Response
Player feedback has focused on "operator skins," character appearance customisations available for purchase. Following the introduction of skins based on 1990s cartoon characters Beavis and Butthead, some fans criticised the company for attempting to emulate the style of other multiplayer games like Fortnite, which is known for various brand crossovers. Activision acknowledged this feedback, stating that fan complaints about the series' identity were taken seriously.
Additionally, Microsoft, Activision's parent company, increased prices for its Game Pass subscription service by 20% prior to the game's release.
Black Ops 7 Campaign Details
Black Ops 7 features a single-player story campaign, a mode highlighted by lead producer Natalie Pohorski and senior communications director Stephanie Snowdon. The Black Ops sub-series typically involves narratives centered on espionage and conspiracy. Black Ops 7 is a direct sequel to 2012's Black Ops 2, set in the year 2035. Its plot involves a global terrorist threat and a technology company.
Developers stated that the "Black Ops identity" allows for exploration of themes such as trust and perception, applicable across different eras.
Cast and Development
The game's cast includes Kiernan Shipka (known for "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina") and Milo Ventimiglia (known for "This Is Us"). Both actors commented on the series' established player base and the expectations associated with it.
Milo Ventimiglia, who previously played Call of Duty, expressed confidence in Black Ops 7's narrative, stating it surpasses previous installments in storytelling.
Multiplayer Focus
While single-player campaigns are part of the game, Call of Duty's sustained success is largely attributed to its multiplayer modes. The performance of Black Ops 7 will be assessed based on its multiplayer experience. When asked about competition from titles like Battlefield, the developers stated their focus remained on optimising Black Ops 7. Stephanie Snowdon mentioned that Call of Duty offers "variety and volume" of experiences.