Tag: Black Ops 7

  • Activision & Infinity Ward: No Clowny Skins in COD MW4

    Activision & Infinity Ward: No Clowny Skins in COD MW4

    Key Takeaway

    – Modern Warfare 4 will have no celebrity cameos, cartoon crossovers, or cel-shaded skins.
    – All cosmetics will be realistic, grounded, and tied to the game’s narrative and heritage.
    – Activision/Infinity Ward promises “no clowny skins” at launch and in all post-launch seasons.
    – The community is invited to hold the developers accountable for any out-of-place content.
    – This move is a direct response to backlash from over-the-top skins in Black Ops 6 and 7.

    Community Backlash Forces Change

    Given the considrable backlash over post-launch skins in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, especially when contrasted with Battlefield 6’s grounded mil-sim skins, the community has had enough, and even Activision and Infinity Ward are drawing a line as they move forward with the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will no longer feature celebrity cameos, cartoon crossovers, or cel-shaded crossover bundles that pull players out of the game’s immersion. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is going for a hard reset, and Infinity Ward has tripled down on this stance online.

    Infinity Ward’s New Promise

    Moving forward, including post-launch, Infinity Ward promises that skins like the Hostile Alliance Operator Pack will remain realistic and tied to the game’s story and rich heritage, with no silly or out-of-place cosmetics. Infinity Ward stated on X during the game’s announcement:

    “Every aspect of Modern Warfare 4 is anchored in the game’s narrative. Every feature, every decision needs to feel authentic to what Modern Warfare is, and that includes cosmetics and collaborations. We’re committed to keeping it grounded and transparent, and we want to hear from you about what you’d like to see in our game.”

    Direct Vows From Developers

    The official Call of Duty X handle went further, addressing gamers’ direct concerns and anyone still doubting Activision and Infinity Ward’s intentions, stating, “No Lady Gaga. No Omni-Man. No Teletubbies. No SpongeBob. Keep the receipts.” Gamers have been vocal about the recent seasons and collaborations in Call of Duty’s back-to-back Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 7 releases. Players were treated to AI-generated artwork and skins, Omni-Man, Snoop Dogg, an American Dad crossover, and even Beavis and Butt-Head, which many felt seriously tarnished the game’s core multiplayer identity and the experience in Warzone.

    Community Skepticism Remains

    Given the way Activision has handled the Call of Duty franchise, gamers continued to meme about post-launch content, prompting another response from the official Call of Duty handle: “We got the feedback. No BS. This is all about staying true to Modern Warfare. No clowny skins for launch and seasons beyond.” Infinity Ward now says that post-launch seasons will not feature any out-of-the-ordinary crossover skins. The developers seem to have listened. Still, many gamers are skeptical that Infinity Ward and Activision will honor these statements in future seasons. The devs are openly inviting the COD community to hold them accountable for any out-of-place post-launch content drops.

    • Call of Duty – X
    • Call of Duty CM – X
    • Infinity Ward – X
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  • Steam Refunds Players for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Due to AI Issues

    Steam Refunds Players for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Due to AI Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Call of Duty has grown significantly since its 2003 launch, starting with a WWII-themed game praised for its gameplay and teamwork elements.

    2. The latest title, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, has received overwhelmingly negative reviews, with a rating of Mostly Negative and significant criticisms from players.

    3. Black Ops 7’s sales are 50% lower than the previous entry, Black Ops 6, and its opening-week sales are 63% lower than competitor Battlefield 6.

    4. The game has been criticized for relying on generative AI content, leading to complaints about the quality and authenticity of its assets.

    5. Some players have successfully requested refunds after completing the game, citing dissatisfaction with the AI-generated content that was not disclosed in marketing materials.

    Call of Duty has seen tremendous growth since it first launched in 2003, when Infinity Ward and Activision joined forces to create a game that would revolutionize the first-person shooter genre. The inaugural title was a shooter set during WWII, featuring three single-player campaigns that highlighted infantry and combined-arms combat. It also included a multiplayer mode with maps based on significant locations from the campaigns.

    The game was met with high praise, earning numerous accolades, including Game of the Year from several critics. Its gameplay emphasized teamwork, with squad members assisting the main player in achieving goals and reacting differently to various scenarios. Ironically, the game was celebrated for its AI-controlled opponents.

    Disappointing Reception for Black Ops 7

    The newest entry in the Call of Duty series, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which launched on November 14, has faced some of the most unfavorable reviews in the series’ history. Currently, the game holds a Mostly Negative rating with over 1,300 negative reviews. The only aspect that players seem to appreciate is the zombies mode; Battlefield 6 should take note.

    Data from The Game Business, sourced from GSD—a service that tracks both digital and physical sales in Europe—reveals that Black Ops 7’s sales have plummeted to just 50% of what Black Ops 6 achieved. Additionally, its opening-week sales are 63% lower than the launch week figures for rival FPS title, Battlefield 6. Another report indicates that more than 25% of Call of Duty players from September went on to buy Battlefield 6 in October.

    Criticism Over AI Content

    Fans and critics have also criticized the game for its poor use of generative AI content. Well-known content creator Bricky shared on social media that, after completing the entire Black Ops 7 campaign, he requested a refund on Steam. He stated that “The game constantly utilized AI generated options that were not present in the marketing for the game, as well as videos and screenshots of the material,” he wrote.

    While some might argue that asking for a refund after finishing the campaign is excessive, he later posted a screenshot showing a $69.99 refund credited to his PayPal account from Steam, which suggests that the platform agreed with his request.

    Other players have reported similar instances of AI usage in the game. Fans have taken to social media, posting images of artwork and claiming that a significant amount of generative AI was used to create “core assets” such as calling cards, posters, and reward icons.

    One fan shared an achievement art piece that appeared to imitate Ghibli’s art style, lamenting the game’s cost in relation to the effort involved. Even though the developers have acknowledged their use of AI as mandated by Steam, some studios seem to be testing the boundaries of what is acceptable to gamers, putting them in a precarious position with their audience.

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Scores Lowest User Rating on Metacritic

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Scores Lowest User Rating on Metacritic

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Date and Setting: Black Ops 7 was released on November 14, 2025, and is set in the year 2035, featuring iconic characters like David Mason.

    2. Zombies Mode: The game includes a Zombies mode that offers a new adventure with hidden secrets and a variety of weapons.

    3. Poor Player Reception: It has a low PC user score of 1.9 on Metacritic, making it the lowest-rated game in the Call of Duty franchise.

    4. Campaign and Multiplayer Criticism: Players have criticized the campaign for being too short and lacking engaging storylines, while the multiplayer suffers from lag and weapon balance issues.

    5. Future Outlook: The game’s rating may change over time, but many players are frustrated with the current issues and are uncertain if they will be addressed.

    While Call of Duty stands as one of the leading first-person shooter series globally, some titles can fall short of expectations. Black Ops 7 is one such game, failing to impress players.

    Game Overview and Features

    Launched on November 14, 2025, the narrative unfolds in 2035, featuring several iconic characters, including David Mason. Additionally, the Zombies mode is part of the package, offering players a fresh adventure filled with hidden secrets and a variety of weapons to explore.

    Player Reception and Criticism

    Despite Black Ops 7 being touted as the most ambitious entry in the series, player feedback tells a different story. Currently, it holds a disappointing PC user score of 1.9 on Metacritic, marking it as the lowest-rated game in the franchise. For context, Modern Warfare III, which debuted in 2023, had a slightly better rating of 2.1 out of 10.

    As time goes on, this score might change. However, several factors have contributed to its current standing.

    Campaign Issues and Multiplayer Problems

    Many gamers criticized the campaign for its short length and lack of engaging storylines. Moreover, numerous bugs have surfaced in this mode, detracting from the overall experience. The multiplayer aspect also suffers from significant lag and noticeable weapon balance issues, which have led to player frustration.

    In conclusion, it remains to be seen whether Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will improve its rating in the near future, and if the various problems highlighted by the players will be addressed.

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  • Black Ops 7 May Release Early, Says Call of Duty Insider

    Black Ops 7 May Release Early, Says Call of Duty Insider

    Key Takeaways

    1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to release on November 14 on all platforms.
    2. A recent beta gave players a preview of the game, heightening anticipation.
    3. Insider TheGhostOfHope suggests the release could be moved up by a week, though no solid evidence is provided.
    4. The timing of a recent event in Black Ops 6 supports the rumor of an earlier launch.
    5. No official confirmation has been made, so the rumor should be viewed with caution.

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to be released on November 14 on all platforms. Recently, a beta gave gamers a sneak peek at what Activision and Treyarch have been developing, and fans are eagerly anticipating the full game. However, new speculation indicates that players might not have to wait as long, as Black Ops 7 could potentially launch a week earlier than planned.

    Rumors of an Early Release

    This speculation comes from the well-known Call of Duty insider, TheGhostOfHope, who suggested that Black Ops 7’s release date may be pushed up by a week. While he did not provide concrete proof or evidence, his past leaks have been largely reliable.

    “Looks like there’s some indication of a possible change in the release date for Black Ops 7, where it might come out a week sooner. Not sure if I believe it yet, but it would be a nice surprise if it happens.”

    Aligning Hints

    This rumor is interestingly supported by some other clues. Last week, Black Ops 6 had its Chucky crossover event on October 18, which was initially scheduled to start around October 24-25 and finish a day before Black Ops 7’s current launch date, November 14. Now, however, the event is set to wrap up a week earlier than the newly rumored release date.

    Currently, nothing has been officially verified, so it’s wise to treat this rumor cautiously. If it does turn out to be true, we might see an official announcement as soon as next week.

    TheGhostOfHope via X

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  • Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Beta Revamps Zombies Before Battlefield 6

    Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Beta Revamps Zombies Before Battlefield 6

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Black Ops 7 Beta is focused on gathering player feedback for weapon balance and gameplay adjustments.
    2. Treyarch is re-evaluating high rounds in Zombies, aiming to reduce the speed of zombies while increasing their damage.
    3. The new approach seeks to challenge players on navigation and control of hordes rather than just running away from fast zombies.
    4. The beta serves as a test for the revamped Zombies experience to see if it resonates with players.
    5. The changes come as competition heats up with EA’s Battlefield 6 set to release soon.

    The Black Ops 7 Beta is now available, allowing gamers to experience multiplayer and, for many, the return of Zombies. This early access gives a glimpse of one of the most significant changes in round-based gameplay design the series has undergone in years.

    Feedback is Key

    In an interview with Game Rant, Treyarch’s design head, Kevin Drew, emphasized that the beta is all about gathering player feedback, from clear issues like weapon balance to broader gameplay philosophy adjustments. “Weapon balance is a prime example,” Drew explained. “With the Beta, we can say, oops, this shotgun is overpowered, and we can actually adjust that.”

    Rethinking Late-Game Rounds

    For fans of Zombies, the key takeaway is how Treyarch is re-evaluating high rounds. Traditionally, the later rounds have featured faster zombies, bigger hordes, and a constant stream of special and miniboss enemies. While some players thrived in this chaos, others felt it made the survival experience tedious.

    Drew mentioned that Black Ops 7 is exploring a new rhythm, sharing that:

    “We received plenty of feedback last year about high rounds containing too many special enemies and that the zombies were too quick. In this game, we’re taking a different route… they’re not as speedy, but they inflict more damage. We will still include specials, but they won’t appear as often.”

    A New Challenge Awaits

    In simpler terms, rather than just running away from fast zombies or shooting down tough elites, high rounds will challenge players on how effectively they can navigate and control the horde. This marks a significant change to the “training” strategy that has been a staple of Zombies since World at War, and the beta will serve as the first real test to see if fans like this new approach.

    With the launch approaching, the beta provides Treyarch an opportunity to assess if their revamped take on Zombies can attract players. This comes at a time when EA’s Battlefield 6 is set to release on October 10, 2025.

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 to Feature Exciting Zombies Mode

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 to Feature Exciting Zombies Mode

    Key Takeaways

    1. The open beta for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 starts on October 5 at 10 AM PT and lasts 72 hours.
    2. Both multiplayer mode and the new Zombies mode will be available for testing in the beta.
    3. The Zombies Survival Mode will take place on a new map called Vandorn Farm.
    4. Players can access the beta early on October 2 at 10 AM PT if they pre-ordered the game or are Xbox Game Pass members.
    5. Activision shared details about the beta features through a post on the official Call of Duty blog.

    Call of Duty enthusiasts will soon have the opportunity to experience the anticipated Black Ops 7 through an open beta, set to begin next week. While some information about this beta was previously available, Activision has now confirmed that, in addition to the usual multiplayer mode, the well-loved Zombies mode will also be included.

    Official Announcement

    This news was shared in a post on the official Call of Duty blog, where Activision detailed that gamers can expect to test the all-new version of Zombies. The blog outlined various features of Zombies, highlighting what’s fresh and what fans can look forward too.

    New Gameplay Features

    During the beta, players will immerse themselves in the Zombies Survival Mode. You and your friends (or you may choose to go it alone) will need to fend off waves of zombies while remaining within the confines of Vandorn Farm, a new map crafted specifically for this mode.

    Important Dates

    The Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 open beta is set to officially start on Sunday, October 5 at 10 AM PT for all gaming platforms. It will end after a 72-hour period, wrapping up on Wednesday, October 8 at 10 AM PT.

    For those who have pre-ordered the game or are members of Xbox Game Pass, they will be able to access the beta early on October 2 at 10 AM PT due to an early access benefit. This allows them an additional three days to enjoy both the multiplayer and Zombies mode.

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  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 DLC Details and Modern Warfare 4 Upgrade

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 DLC Details and Modern Warfare 4 Upgrade

    Key Takeaways

    1. Call of Duty DLC is crucial for Activision’s revenue, with Black Ops 6 receiving mixed reviews on content quality.
    2. Black Ops 7 aims to improve player satisfaction by offering a wider variety of maps and skins.
    3. TheGhostOfHope predicts a strong focus on Seasons 1-4 after Black Ops 7’s launch on November 14th, though download rates may slow before Modern Warfare 4 arrives.
    4. Some unreleased content from Black Ops 6 is expected to return in Black Ops 7, potentially limiting new and realistic skins.
    5. Modern Warfare 4, set for a 2026 release, will likely use a new engine and drop support for older consoles, enhancing graphics for current-gen systems.

    Call of Duty DLC has become an important way for Activision to keep making money. Not every player was satisfied with the content quality of Black Ops 6. With the arrival of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Treyarch might try to win over critics by offering a wider range of maps and skins. Well-known leaker TheGhostOfHope has hinted at some big changes for Modern Warfare 4.

    New Focus on Seasons

    TheGhostOfHope forecasts that the developers will center their efforts on Seasons 1-4 after the release date for Black Ops 7, which is set for November 14th. Compared to Modern Warfare 3, players can look forward to a broader selection of DLC. However, the rate at which downloads happen could slow down significantly by the time Modern Warfare 4 launches.

    Nostalgic Content Returns

    Fans wanting new and original content in the upcoming Treyarch game might find themselves disappointed. The leak suggests that some unreleased content from Black Ops 6 will make a return. This might make it harder to create more realistic skins for Black Ops 7. Activision has also stated that any content bought won’t carry over to the new game, but this probably won’t apply to every item.

    New Designs Ahead

    Infinity Ward might have to create new designs for the Modern Warfare 4 DLC. Scheduled for a 2026 release, TheGhostOfHope believes that this installment will use a different engine. Because of this, items from previous games may not work with the new version.

    Modern Warfare 4 is expected to drop support for PS4 and Xbox One, making it a current-gen exclusive. This change should improve graphics on the PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Otherwise, reports indicate that the game might be set in South and North Korea and feature a new user interface.

    Players may get a preview of the basic cosmetic options during the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 open beta, which kicks off on October 2nd.

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  • Black Ops 7 Release Date Confirmed: Singleplayer and Multiplayer Merge

    Black Ops 7 Release Date Confirmed: Singleplayer and Multiplayer Merge

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is confirmed to release on November 14, available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series consoles, Xbox One, and PC, but not on Switch 2.

    2. Single-player Campaign Feature: The final mission will transition into a multiplayer experience with 32 players, set on the ‘Avalon’ map.

    3. Complete Map Access: Players will have access to a complete map during the final mission, with points of interest available throughout the campaign.

    4. Extraction Shooter Mechanics: The final mission may involve extraction shooter dynamics, where players compete against each other, impacting overall progression.

    5. Future Details: More information about Black Ops 7 will be revealed during Gamescom 2025 on August 20.

    Activision revealed the upcoming game in the Call of Duty series, titled Black Ops 7, during the Xbox Showcase in June. Although no specific launch date was shared at the time, leaks suggested it would hit the shelves in November. Recently, a new leak has provided a more precise release date, while another has unveiled an intriguing detail about the single-player campaign.

    Release Date Confirmed

    According to a report from Dealabs (translated by a machine), Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to release on November 14. This date aligns with what a well-known leaker, TheGhostofHope, previously mentioned on X, although he referred to it as a rumor. Upon its release, the game will be accessible on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series consoles, Xbox One, and PC. Notably, there will not be a version for the Switch 2 at launch.

    Unique Singleplayer Experience

    Turning to the single-player campaign, Tom Henderson from Insider Gaming mentions that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will introduce an unprecedented feature for the series. The final mission, reportedly located on the ‘Avalon’ map, will seamlessly transition into a multiplayer experience with 32 players. The report references unnamed sources and states that players will encounter a complete map during the final mission, but certain points of interest (POIs) will be available throughout the campaign.

    Extraction Shooter Mechanics

    It remains uncertain how the developers, Treyarch and Raven Software, will execute this concept. However, the report suggests that the final mission may involve an extraction shooter dynamic where players compete against one another. This feature is expected to be part of Black Ops 7’s overall progression system, in which the campaign, multiplayer, and zombies modes all contribute to player advancement.

    Further details about the game will be disclosed during Gamescom 2025, scheduled for August 20.

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  • Call of Duty 2027 to Launch a New Subfranchise, Insider Reveals

    Call of Duty 2027 to Launch a New Subfranchise, Insider Reveals

    Key Takeaways

    1. The next Call of Duty game, set for 2027, will be developed by Sledgehammer Games and will start a new subfranchise, separate from Modern Warfare and Black Ops.
    2. Gameplay will focus on movement without jetpacks, featuring martial arts elements like karate kicks and chops, and a multiplayer map named Get High.
    3. The Zombies mode may not be included in this new installment, leading to disappointment among fans.
    4. Community reactions show mixed feelings, with some hoping for sequels to Advanced Warfare or Call of Duty: Ghosts.
    5. Details about the 2026 or 2027 installment remain unconfirmed by Activision, while Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has been officially announced.

    The next chapter in the Call of Duty series, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, is yet to be released, but already there are whispers about a future game. A well-known leaker and industry expert has revealed some insights into what Activision is planning for the 2027 installment. This upcoming game appears to be the start of a new series that will not be linked to either the Modern Warfare or Black Ops franchises.

    Game Development Insights

    Following the much-anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which is set to launch later this year, the 2027 release is expected to be crafted by Sledgehammer Games. This information comes from the credible leaker known as TheGhostofHope on X. Importantly, this new title won’t be another entry in the Modern Warfare or Black Ops series, nor will it be a standalone title. Instead, it is described as a “totally new subfranchise” that will take place in modern times.

    Gameplay Features

    According to the leaker, the game will emphasize movement, although it will not feature jetpacks. The multiplayer map named Get High will be included, and there is said to be an emphasis on martial arts, incorporating moves like “karate kicks” and “karate chops.” Currently, it seems like the Zombies mode might not be part of this release, although that is the situation as of now. No release date has been disclosed yet.

    Community Reactions

    Many fans are expressing disappointment with this news, as some were hoping for a sequel to Advanced Warfare or a new entry in the Call of Duty: Ghosts series. Others are also upset about the potential absence of the Zombies mode.

    Nevertheless, it’s important to note that this information remains speculative at this stage, and Activision has not confirmed any details regarding a 2026 or 2027 installment. Previous rumors suggested that the 2026 game might be Modern Warfare 4. What is confirmed is that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was officially announced earlier in June at the Xbox Showcase, and shortly after, several screenshots emerged online showcasing various game modes and equipment that players can expect.

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  • Concerns Grow Over Rumored Release Date for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

    Concerns Grow Over Rumored Release Date for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

    Key Takeaways

    1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is expected to release on November 14, 2025, marking one of the latest launches in the franchise.
    2. Activision has announced the game through a trailer, with further details set to be revealed at the August 19 Gamescom event.
    3. The game, developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, is set in 2035 and will feature a full single-player campaign, multiplayer options, and a co-op Zombies mode.
    4. Black Ops 7 will be available on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC, while also being included as a day-one Xbox Game Pass title.
    5. The Ghost of Hope suggests that Black Ops 7 may be the last installment without next-gen exclusivity, hinting at potential changes for Call of Duty 2027.

    The Ghost of Hope is a well-known leaker who claims to have secret info about the Call of Duty series. His latest forecast is stirring up worries among fans of the first-person shooter genre. Following limited marketing from Activision, the expected release date for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 might not be until November 14, 2025. This would make it one of the latest launches in the entire franchise.

    Previous Game Launches

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was released on October 25, 2024, while several earlier games came out in early November. A unique case is Black Ops Cold War, which debuted on November 13 during the tough times of 2020’s pandemic. As The Ghost of Hope pointed out in a later social media update, games with less content tend to be launched later.

    Activision’s Announcement

    Activision finally spoke about the game with a trailer showcased at the Xbox Games Showcase. Recently, it was confirmed that the title would also be highlighted during the August 19 Gamescom event. This show might reveal the release date for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, followed by a beta test. Even though many specifics remain uncertain, gamers already have some expectations based on the available clips and past leaks.

    Game Features and Platforms

    Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, Black Ops 7 is set in 2035 and includes science-fiction elements. Despite concerns about the game being unfinished, it is expected to feature a complete single-player campaign. Competitive gamers are looking forward to multiple multiplayer options and the return of the co-op Zombies mode.

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be available on the Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC. With diminishing player numbers for Black Ops 6, Microsoft plans to include it as a day-one Xbox Game Pass title. The existence of last-gen versions has lowered expectations for significant innovation. However, The Ghost of Hope believes this will be the last installment that does not embrace next-gen exclusivity.

    Future of the Franchise

    Additionally, The Ghost of Hope provided some fresh insights on Call of Duty 2027, which may bring some unexpected changes to the franchise.

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