Tag: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

April 12, 2026

Microsoft may remove Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass amid declining first-party game sales
Key Takeaway
1. Microsoft’s gaming revenue declined by 9%, with support for first-party Xbox games weakening, partly due to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 struggles.
2. There is speculation that future Call of Duty titles might be removed from Xbox Game Pass to prevent cannibalization of premium sales.
3. Call of Duty and other AAA Xbox games have experienced significant sales losses, attributed to their availability on subscription services and the impact on standalone sales.
4. Microsoft’s overall content growth and revenue are stagnating, prompting potential strategies like removing Call of Duty from subscription tiers or delaying releases.

Games Revenue Fell Significantly

In the month of January, Microsoft reports were indicating that their gaming revenue went down about 9% from the same 3-months period last year. Support for their own Xbox titles took a hit, especially with the struggles faced by Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which was a big factor in the decline. There are worries that the Xbox Game Pass might have been eating into the sales since some believe that more people were playing via subscription than buying individual games. Because of this, some insider is saying that future game releases might decide to skip the subscription service altogether.

Expert Opinions and Industry Insights

Jez Corden from Windows Central shared these insights on a fresh podcast, saying that the idea of removing Call of Duty games from the Game Pass isn’t just a rumor, it’s a possibility. During the same broadcast, he talked about how that popular AAA Xbox games are being affected because they become available from day one on the Game Pass Ultimate or other tiers, making it less attractive to buy the physical or digital copies separately.

Impact on Game Sales and Market Trends

While Microsoft hasn’t publicly released exact numbers about their sales losses, industry insiders have shared their opinions. For example, Christopher Dring from The Game Business pointed out that titles on the service tend to lose “around 80 percent of expected premium sales on Xbox.” Games like Starfield and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle also saw their sales affected, signaling a broader trend where subscription services might be hurting traditional game sales.

Black Ops 6 and Price Losses

Before the release of Black Ops 7, there was already signs that Game Pass was hurting the franchise. The first installment to launch with day-one availability on the service was Black Ops 6 in 2024. Bloomberg estimated that the game might have lost up to $300 million because of the reliance on subscriptions, which shows how much the revenue model can impact the game’s profitability.

Declining Sales and Player Counts

In more recent leaks from a lawsuit related to Activision-Blizzard’s former CEO Bobby Kotick, it was revealed that Call of Duty sales fell by a staggering 60% in 2025. This decline isn’t surprising because the series has seen historically low player counts on Steam, and other titles like EA’s Battlefield 6 have also pulled some attention away. The competition and changing consumer habits seem to be hitting the franchise hard.

Financial Performance and Future Strategies

Microsoft’s latest financial statement shows a 5% decrease in quarterly revenue year-over-year. If key franchises like Call of Duty aren’t enticing new subscribers or encouraging standalone sales, then the company might need to reconsider its strategies to boost growth.

Potential Changes for Accessibility and Pricing

A lot of critics argue that Activision’s franchise is partly responsible for the recent price hike of Xbox Game Pass. Some suggest they might remove Call of Duty from the Ultimate tier to offer cheaper options or delay its release on Game Pass to protect launch-day sales, hoping to balance both subscriptions and standalone purchases better.
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Tags: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Gaming Revenue Decline, Microsoft, Subscription Model Impact, Xbox Game Pass
December 10, 2025

Activision Slows New Releases After Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Struggles

Key Takeaways

1. Poor Retail Performance: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 struggled in retail, facing tough competition from games like Battlefield 6 and Arc Raiders.

2. Release Schedule Changes: Activision will stop doing back-to-back releases of Modern Warfare or Black Ops titles to improve quality and fan satisfaction.

3. Acknowledgment of Fan Feedback: The company recognizes the need to address player concerns about repetitive gameplay while still standing by their game.

4. Future of the Franchise: There may be longer intervals between releases, with development teams focusing on providing unique experiences each year.

5. Continued Support for Black Ops 7: Activision plans to offer ongoing support, including a free trial for multiplayer modes and a commitment to regular new content updates.

In several areas, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has seen a surprisingly bad performance in retail. Following its launch, it found it hard to hold up against competitors like Battlefield 6 and Arc Raiders. After not living up to its expectations, Activision is altering how it schedules releases for Call of Duty titles. A recent blog entry states that the publisher will “no longer do back-to-back releases of Modern Warfare or Black Ops games.”

Acknowledging Fan Feedback

In light of feedback regarding repetitive gameplay, the communication carries an apologetic yet not completely surrendering tone. While the studio stands behind the game, the company recognizes that fan opinions are what truly count.

Activision used to release multiple Call of Duty games within the same calendar year. However, this frequency has recently slowed down as the company shifted to a live-service model with the free-to-play Warzone. Nevertheless, most years still saw the launch of either a new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare or Black Ops installment.

Future Plans for the Franchise

It remains uncertain how the publisher will manage its shooter sub-franchises in the future. There is still a chance for an annual release schedule, but it appears that longer intervals between launches may become more common. The various development teams are working towards “providing an absolutely unique experience each and every year.” Fans will need to stay tuned for further news on how innovations might shape the games.

Despite the recent announcements, support for Black Ops 7 will persist for the time being. Gamers who are not swayed by the mediocre reviews will soon have the opportunity to experience the multiplayer modes for free. A free trial is set to take place next week, during which players can earn double XP for their participation. Activision is also committed to delivering a constant stream of new content after Season 01, which they labeled as one of their largest updates to date.

Industry Comparisons

Interestingly, EA had considered adopting an annual release schedule for Battlefield at one time. With the declining sales of Black Ops 7, they might rethink that strategy. The time gap between Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 6 was sufficient to generate excitement and meet expectations.

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Tags: Activision, Battlefield 6, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
November 19, 2025

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 User Score Drops to 1.7 Amid Criticism

Key Takeaways

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has received a user score of 1.9/10, making it the worst-rated game in the franchise.
2. Critics rated the game higher, with a Metascore of 83/100 based on 18 reviews, showing a significant divide between user and critic opinions.
3. The game faced tough competition from other popular shooters, peaking at around 100,000 players shortly after its launch.
4. Fans expressed frustration with the franchise’s annual releases, citing technical flaws and a disappointing campaign as major issues.
5. Concerns were raised about the use of generative AI in game development, leading to criticism of the game’s creativity and overall direction.

With the release of another installment in Activision’s Call of Duty series, Call of Duty Black Ops 7 has unfortunately reached a low point, garnering a Metacritic user score of 1.9/10 from over 1,440 reviews (as of now). In an interesting twist, critics have given it a Metascore of 83/100 based on 18 reviews, showing a stark contrast in opinions.

User Reception

Based on user ratings, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is currently the worst-rated game in the franchise. It trails behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023), which has a user score of 2.3 from 2,399 reviews, and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, which holds a score of 4.4 from 2,106 reviews.

Competition in the Market

This release has faced stiff competition from other popular first-person shooters this year, such as Battlefield Studios’ Battlefield 6 and Embark Studios’ Arc Raiders, which achieved peak concurrent player counts of 747,440 and 481,966, making them the third and fourth most-played games on Steam.

In contrast, Black Ops 7 is somewhat obscured by the Call of Duty launcher, complicating efforts to identify exact player numbers. However, estimates from SteamDB indicate that the game peaked at roughly 86,000 players on its launch day, November 14, and reached around 100,000 players on November 16, ranking it as the 17th most-played game on Steam currently.

Controversy Surrounding the Game

The launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has sparked much debate, with fans split over the annual releases of the series. Black Ops 6 was released almost a year ago, leading many gamers to express fatigue with the franchise. Players have criticized the game for technical flaws and perceived shortcuts that suggest it’s the target of review bombing, although many negative reviews do reflect genuine issues.

One major point of criticism is the game’s lackluster campaign and a bizarre boss fight featuring a giant Michael Rooker, which has left some fans questioning the direction of the series, especially given that the last installment had a more grounded and engaging narrative.

AI and Game Development

Concerns have also been raised about Activision and Treyarch’s use of generative AI to produce game assets, including Calling Cards, artwork, camo designs, operator skins, emblems, and loading screens. Activision has acknowledged the use of this technology but maintains that “our creative process is still led by staff.” The annual release schedule has created fatigue within the COD community, with some gamers dubbing this year’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 as “Activision’s biggest disaster of all time.”

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Tags: Activision, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Metacritic
November 18, 2025

Battlefield 6 Free Trial Coming Soon for Thanksgiving 2023

Key Takeaways

1. Battlefield 6 debuted on October 10 and is performing better than Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 in terms of sales and player counts.
2. A free-to-play battle royale mode named RedSec was launched on October 28, enhancing the game’s offerings.
3. EA announced a free trial for Battlefield 6 from November 25 to December 2, featuring five game modes and three maps.
4. It’s unclear if the single-player campaign will be included in the free trial, unlike Activision’s approach with Black Ops 6.
5. In the UK, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’s sales are significantly lower than Battlefield 6, with a notable difference in peak player counts on Steam.

Battlefield 6 made its debut on October 10 and has remained ahead of its main rival, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which was released more recently. In addition to the main game, EA has introduced a free-to-play battle royale mode named RedSec that became available on October 28. Now, during the Thanksgiving week, players will have the chance to enjoy more multiplayer modes at no cost.

Free Trial Details

EA has revealed a free trial for Battlefield 6. This trial will run from November 25 to December 2, allowing players to access five different game modes and three maps. The available modes include Conquest, Breakthrough, Sabotage, and Team Deathmatch, with one mode yet to be announced. The maps featured will be Siege of Cairo, Eastwood, and Blackwell Fields. Further information regarding the free trial will be provided next week.

Single-Player Campaign Uncertainty

It remains uncertain whether the single-player campaign will be part of this free trial. Activision previously allowed access to the Black Ops 6 campaign during its own free trial week, which coincided with Battlefield 6’s release.

The free trial announcement for Battlefield 6 is part of a broader update that also includes new content and updates for multiplayer modes, along with RedSec. The latter has introduced a new Rodeo mission for the Gauntlet game mode. Complete patch notes for the update can be found here.

Sales Comparison in the UK

Recent reports indicate that in the UK, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is trailing behind Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 6, with initial week physical sales being 61% lower than those of the latter. There is also a significant disparity in player counts on Steam, where Battlefield 6 reached a peak of over 747,400 players, while Black Ops 7, despite being newer, peaked at just over 491,600. At the point of this report, Battlefield 6 has over 166,700 active players, while Black Ops 7 has nearly 61,000.

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Tags: Battlefield 6, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Free Trial
November 15, 2025

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Special Edition PS5 and Xbox Controllers

Key Takeaways

1. Corsair launched Black Ops 7-themed controllers and accessories to celebrate the game’s release.
2. Xbox versions include the Valor Pro, available in wired ($119.99) and wireless ($209.99) options, featuring remappable back paddles and anti-drift joysticks.
3. PS5 variants, the Reflex Pro ($269.99) and Reflex FPS ($299.99), have custom features like adaptive triggers and upgraded thumbsticks.
4. The Scuf Envision Pro PC controller also has a Black Ops 7 edition with customizable buttons and Hall effect thumbsticks.
5. Additional accessories like a keyboard, gaming mouse, headset, and stream deck are available, all featuring a matching design.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is here, and fans can dive in using controllers inspired by the latest Treyarch game. Just this week, Corsair introduced its accessories themed around Black Ops 7 to mark the game’s release, which includes Scuf’s high-end controllers for both the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Eye-Catching Design

These controllers showcase a design directly taken from the game. On the right handle, there’s a striking gray Cerberus emblem, and the left features B07 symbols. The Black Ops 7-themed color scheme includes light gray, blue, and orange highlights. All versions are now available for purchase straight from Scuf Gaming.

Options for Xbox Players

For Xbox users, Scuf offers the Valor Pro in both wired and wireless versions. Both options are officially licensed for Xbox systems and come packed with useful features, such as four remappable back paddles, trigger stops, swappable thumbsticks, and two audio dials. Additionally, both models include anti-drift joysticks; however, the wireless model utilizes TMR sensors instead of Hall effect sensors, which Scuf claims deliver superior control accuracy.

The Scuf Valor Pro Wired Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Edition is priced at $119.99, while the wireless model costs $209.99.

PS5 Controller Variants

Scuf has also customized its Reflex Pro and Reflex FPS controllers for the PS5 with a Black Ops 7 design. Both controllers come with symmetrical sticks like the DualSense but include extra features such as remappable back paddles and anti-drift thumbsticks. The Reflex Pro utilizes Hall-effect sticks, whereas the Reflex FPS is equipped with upgraded TMR thumbsticks. Additional distinctions include adaptive triggers on the Reflex Pro and mouse-click triggers on the Reflex FPS.

The Black Ops 7 Scuf Reflex Pro is available for $269.99, while the Reflex FPS is priced at $299.99.

Other Accessories

Moreover, the Scuf Envision Pro PC controller, featuring Hall effect thumbsticks and 11 customizable buttons, also comes in a Black Ops 7 edition. Corsair is also rolling out various other accessories for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, such as a keyboard, gaming mouse, headset, and stream deck. All these accessories are currently available and share a matching design with the controllers.

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Tags: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Corsair Accessories, Scuf Valor Pro
November 15, 2025

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Player Count Falls Behind Battlefield 6

Key Takeaways

1. Black Ops 7’s peak player count on Steam is significantly lower than Battlefield 6, with around 77,000 players compared to Battlefield 6’s 747,440 at launch.
2. Black Ops 6 managed over 300,000 players shortly after its launch, indicating a decline in interest for Black Ops 7.
3. Black Ops 7 is available on Game Pass from day one, which may lead some players to forgo purchasing the game, impacting player numbers.
4. The campaign mode in Black Ops 7 has received mixed feedback, particularly regarding the lack of a pause option and no checkpoints, frustrating solo players.
5. Despite a slow start, Activision remains committed to expanding the Call of Duty franchise, but Battlefield 6 is poised for better sales performance.

The open beta for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has struggled to reach the player numbers seen in Battlefield 6. Although it’s still early days, this trend seems to be continuing with the full version of Activision’s shooter. Nearly 12 hours after its launch, the peak player count on Steam for Black Ops 7 is around 77,000. To compete with the 747,440 players that EA’s Battlefield 6 attracted, Black Ops 7 will need a significant boost.

Player Count Comparisons

SteamDB monitors various Call of Duty titles on a single page, including Black Ops 6. However, the gap between Black Ops 7 and Battlefield 6 is quite large. When Battlefield 6 launched on October 10th, it broke the record for any Call of Duty game by exceeding 491,670 players.

Console Popularity

It’s worth noting that Treyarch’s games are very popular on consoles. Unfortunately, data on Xbox and PlayStation players isn’t readily available. Additionally, Black Ops 7 is again part of the Game Pass on day one, leading some subscribers to skip purchasing the game. Rising subscription prices could influence those choices, but the PC Game Pass hasn’t faced the same sharp increases.

Performance of Black Ops 7

The player count for Black Ops 7 on Steam is also lower than that of its predecessor. Although Black Ops 6 was released on Game Pass, it still managed to attract over 300,000 players soon after launch.

Before their releases, many believed that Battlefield 6 would be the more groundbreaking game. One of the key features is the destructible environments, which are essential for strategy. In contrast, not all updates to the campaign mode in Black Ops 7 have won over fans.

Campaign Mode Feedback

The campaign in Black Ops 7 now supports teams of 1-4 players, but solo gamers have encountered some issues. One major complaint noted in Steam reviews is the lack of a pause option during gameplay. Players also can’t save their progress in the always-online setting, as there are no checkpoints.

Despite a slow start for Black Ops 7, it’s unlikely that Activision will worry too much. The company is committed to a fast-paced strategy to expand the Call of Duty franchise. Still, Battlefield 6 seems ready to surpass the usually better sales of its competitor.

SteamDB (1), SteamDB (2)

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Tags: Battlefield 6, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Steam player count
November 14, 2025

AMD FSR Redstone Launches in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

Key Takeaways

1. AMD’s FSR Redstone technology has debuted in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, marking its first appearance in an AAA title.
2. Redstone includes advanced features like ML Frame Generation, Machine Learning Ray Regeneration, and Neural Radiance Caching, although only Ray Regeneration is currently implemented.
3. The Ray Regeneration feature enhances ray-traced visuals in real time using AI, improving lighting effects without the performance costs of traditional ray tracing.
4. FSR Redstone is currently in a limited testing phase, with future features expected but not yet available.
5. The technology is exclusive to AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series GPUs, leaving older graphics cards unable to utilize the new features.

AMD’s FSR Redstone has quietly entered the gaming world with its debut in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. This marks the first time the technology has appeared in an AAA title. An attentive Reddit user discovered the new “FSR Ray Regeneration” feature in the game’s settings, although it’s currently only available in a limited capacity.

Next-Gen Tech Unveiled

Redstone represents AMD’s advanced upscaling and rendering suite, introduced earlier this year to compete with Nvidia’s DLSS 3.5 Ray Reconstruction. It’s driven by machine learning and is a significant update to AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR).

The Redstone package includes neural rendering features such as ML Frame Generation, Machine Learning Ray Regeneration, and Neural Radiance Caching. However, it seems that only the Ray Regeneration feature is being implemented at this time. This technology improves grainy and low-sample ray-traced visuals in real time using a trained AI model, leading to more fluid and clearer lighting effects without the performance costs of standard ray tracing.

Limited Testing Phase

There’s no word yet on the other components of the Redstone suite, suggesting that Ray Regeneration is in its early testing stage. In a separate update, AMD’s Jack Huynh shared on X that FSR ‘Redstone’ Ray Regeneration is now operational in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, specifically for AMD Radeon RX 9000 Series GPUs, with a promise of additional features coming in the future.

As per our reports, it was initially planned for FSR Redstone to launch in games during the latter half of 2025, showing that AMD is sticking to its schedule. Unfortunately, gamers using older graphics cards will not benefit from this feature, as it’s restricted to RDNA 4 GPUs only.

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Tags: AMD Radeon RX 9000, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, FSR Redstone
November 5, 2025

Call of Duty Black Ops 7 PC Requirements and Handheld Compatibility

Key Takeaways

1. Minimum and Recommended Specs: Requires GPU options like AMD Radeon RX 570 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 970, and CPU options like Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 1400, with 8 GB RAM and over 100 GB storage.

2. High-End Requirements for 4K: For 4K gaming, need Ryzen 5 5600X or Core i7-10700K, along with GeForce RTX 4080 or Radeon RX 9070, plus 16 GB RAM.

3. Security Features: Requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, and includes kernel-level anti-cheat technology.

4. Optimizations for Devices: Fine-tuned for Windows handheld devices, with improved battery life and UI for smaller screens.

5. Additional Enhancements: Supports ultra-wide monitors, FSR 4.0, frame generation, and integrates with Corsair’s iCue RGB software.

Activision and Treyarch have disclosed the PC requirements for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. In contrast to many current AAA titles that necessitate high-end equipment, this game can run on any computer made in the last ten years, but if you’re looking to play at a competitive level, you might need stronger components.

Minimum Requirements

To start playing Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, the minimum GPU required is either an AMD Radeon RX 570, Nvidia GeForce GTX 970, or Intel Arc A580. On the CPU front, an Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 1400 will work just fine. The game will need 8 GB of RAM, but be ready to clear up over 100 GB of space on your hard drive. For those aiming for 4K resolution, you’ll require a Ryzen 5 5600X or Core i7-10700K, along with a GeForce RTX 4080 or Radeon RX 9070, plus 16 GB of RAM. If you have an Intel Arc GPU, remember to enable Resizable Bar.

Additional Features

As mentioned during the open beta, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot to be activated. The game also incorporates kernel-level anti-cheat technology. Treyarch assures that it has been fine-tuned for ‘most’ Windows handheld devices, with optimizations for battery life and UI elements adjusted for smaller screens.

PC Enhancements

Furthermore, the game supports ultra-wide monitors, FSR 4.0, frame generation, and works with Corsair’s iCue RGB software. Players who pre-ordered can begin downloading it on November 10 at 09:00 PT. Lastly, it will be accessible to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass users on the first day of its release.

Tags: AMD Radeon RX 570, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Intel Core i5-6600
November 2, 2025

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Release Date Leaked for Campaign and Zombies

Key Takeaways

1. Treyarch denied rumors of an early release date for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, but leaks suggest a campaign and zombie mode launch on November 10th for PS4.
2. Preloads for the game will start on November 9th at 10:00 AM PST, with multiplayer mode available from November 17th.
3. Installation sizes for PS4 are approximately 11.6 GB for multiplayer and 11.9 GB for campaign, smaller than Black Ops 6, raising doubts about the leak’s accuracy.
4. There are no confirmed early access opportunities for Black Ops 7, following a trend where most Call of Duty titles do not offer this option.
5. Speculation exists that the PSN information could be an error, and players may have to wait for the confirmed November 14th release date.

Treyarch has recently denied a rumor regarding an early release date for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Still, there might be a surprise lurking, as suggested by a leak from PlayStation Game Size. This leak hinted at some information on the PSN about file sizes and potential launch times. According to these details, the PS4 version of Black Ops 7 is set to debut on November 10th for its campaign and zombie modes.

Preload Information

The PlayStation Game Size post mentions that preloads will start on November 9th at 10:00 AM PST. The campaign and zombie modes are expected to go live on November 10th at the same hour. However, players will have to wait until November 17th for the multiplayer mode to become accessible. It is assumed that the PS5 version will follow the same timeline, but gamers are still waiting for more information regarding that console.

Installation Sizes

PS4 users are also getting a glimpse of installation sizes, with the multiplayer pack being 11.6 GB and campaign files at 11.9 GB. Even when including zombie mode, the total download is significantly smaller than that of Black Ops 6. This has led to some doubts about the credibility of the Black Ops 7 leak.

Early Access Speculations

Beyond the open beta, Activision hasn’t hinted at any early access opportunities for its upcoming military shooter. Traditionally, most Call of Duty titles haven’t provided this option, although Modern Warfare 3 did allow access to its single-player mode for those who pre-ordered. Numerous titles have enabled players to uninstall certain modes to lessen installation sizes.

Many gamers believe that the information provided by PSN is likely an error. If this turns out to be true, console and PC players will need to wait for the announced November 14th release date for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Nevertheless, the developers have been known to surprise fans recently.

On October 7th, the open beta for Black Ops 7 was unexpectedly extended by 24 hours. This led to speculation that Activision may be attempting to overshadow the launch of Battlefield 6. Alongside this, it has also rolled out several free trials for Black Ops 6, all while its competitor, EA, is enjoying strong sales and high player counts on Steam.

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Tags: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, PSN Leak, Treyarch
October 29, 2025

Battlefield 6 Outshines Call of Duty in Console Player Numbers

Key Takeaways

1. Battlefield 6 has broken sales records and surpassed Call of Duty in simultaneous players on Steam.
2. Call of Duty HQ remains a strong advantage for Activision, despite player frustrations with its interface and downloads.
3. Call of Duty continues to dominate in player engagement on consoles, ranking second only to Fortnite, while Battlefield 6 ranks lower.
4. The upcoming free-to-play Battlefield RedSec may intensify competition with Warzone and strengthen Battlefield’s presence in PC gaming.
5. Despite Battlefield’s success, it lacks the robust ecosystem that Call of Duty has built over the years.

All indications suggest that Battlefield might finally surpass its military shooter competitor. Battlefield 6 has broken sales records and achieved a higher number of simultaneous players on Steam than any title in the Call of Duty series. However, even with the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Activision’s franchise still enjoys greater support among console gamers.

Player Engagement Insights

Mat Piscatella shared data from Circana on Bluesky, highlighting player engagement on both PlayStation and Xbox platforms. This data covers the week ending October 18th, which includes the initial days following the Battlefield 6 launch. In terms of total active users in the U.S., Call of Duty HQ holds the second position, right behind Fortnite. In contrast, Dice’s new shooter ranks seventh on PlayStation and sixth on Xbox.

The Call of Duty HQ Advantage

It’s crucial to note that Call of Duty HQ acts as a launcher for various titles. Even though the publisher has recently taken down Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3, Black Ops 6 and Warzone remain accessible on the app. The new Black Ops 7 is poised to take center stage on November 14th.

Many players wish for the elimination of Call of Duty HQ. Gamers often voice their frustrations about the large downloads and the somewhat awkward interface. Despite this, it still highlights an edge that Activision maintains over the Battlefield franchise. Even with the triumph of Battlefield 6, numerous Call of Duty games stand in its way. There are whispers that the series might shift to an annual release cycle to keep players engaged.

Upcoming Challenges for Battlefield

The new free-to-play Battlefield RedSec also creates rivalry for Warzone. With this launch, Dice could continue its stronghold in PC gaming. While Call of Duty leads on consoles, the player numbers for Battlefield 6 have pushed it to the top of Circana’s Steam charts in both the U.S. and Canada.

Black Ops 7 is seeing lower pre-order numbers and significantly reduced open beta participation, leading to lower expectations. Nonetheless, Battlefield has yet to develop the same powerful ecosystem that Call of Duty possesses.

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Tags: Battlefield 6, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Steam charts