Tag: Call of Duty

  • New Call of Duty Switch 2 Game Teased; Black Ops 7 Missing

    New Call of Duty Switch 2 Game Teased; Black Ops 7 Missing

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft commits to delivering Call of Duty games on Nintendo consoles after acquiring Activision Blizzard in 2023.
    2. Sledgehammer Games is hiring a Senior Technical Artist, indicating potential development of a Call of Duty game for the Switch 2.
    3. Activision may be considering a new Call of Duty mobile game, with existing Warzone content available on Android and iOS.
    4. Microsoft believes Warzone would perform well on the Switch, and the improved specs of the Switch 2 could enhance game visuals.
    5. A new Call of Duty game from Sledgehammer is reportedly in development, aimed for release in 2027, potentially boosting the franchise’s sales.


    Microsoft has made a commitment to deliver Call of Duty games on Nintendo consoles following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023. While there is uncertainty surrounding the release of Black Ops 7, there are indications that another game for the Switch 2 is in the works. A recent job listing from Sledgehammer Games is looking for a Senior Technical Artist who has experience with “AAA mobile or Switch.”

    Development Background

    Sledgehammer Games has worked on multiple titles in the Call of Duty franchise, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Clawsomegamer uncovered this job posting on the Activision Careers website. Notably, applicants with prior experience on the Switch will receive favorable consideration, as indicated in the job description.

    Mobile Game Potential

    Activision might be considering the development of a new Call of Duty mobile game for smartphones. However, as noted by Clawsomegamer, Warzone is currently accessible on both Android and iOS platforms. Given that Sledgehammer Games has contributed content for previous Warzone versions, there is a chance for a Switch 2 port to happen.

    Future Prospects

    In 2023, Microsoft mentioned that Warzone would fit well on a Switch console. In a communication to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), they praised its ability to optimize the game for older systems. The enhanced specifications of the Switch 2 should also help improve the visual performance. Developers have been facing challenges in delivering satisfactory performance on the aging Switch hardware.

    Sledgehammer has also been reported to be working on an entirely new Call of Duty game. TheGhostOfHope shared that the studio is planning to create a fresh experience for shooter enthusiasts, with an expected release in 2027.

    Boosting the Franchise

    With the lackluster sales of Black Ops 7, a game for Switch 2 might provide a significant uplift for the franchise. Microsoft has shown its support for Nintendo’s console as part of its multi-platform strategy. However, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is currently one of the few officially announced projects for the handheld device. The job listing could ease any concerns about the company’s commitment to this initiative.

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  • Udo Kier, OD Voice Actor and Horror Legend, Dies at 81

    Udo Kier, OD Voice Actor and Horror Legend, Dies at 81

    Key Takeaways

    1. Udo Kier, the celebrated German actor, passed away at the age of 81 on November 23, 2025, in Palm Springs, Florida.
    2. He gained fame in the 1970s with cult classic horror films, including Mark of the Devil, Flesh for Frankenstein, and Blood for Dracula.
    3. Kier transitioned to American cinema in the 1990s, appearing in notable films like My Own Private Idaho, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and Armageddon.
    4. Beyond film, Kier contributed to video games, voicing characters in titles like Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 and Call of Duty: WWII.
    5. Hideo Kojima, creator of Metal Gear, paid tribute to Kier, highlighting his impact as an actor and his lively spirit during their interactions.


    Udo Kier, a well-known German actor celebrated for his roles in over 200 films and video games, has sadly died at 81. He passed away on November 23, 2025, in Palm Springs, Florida, where he had resided since 1991.

    Confirmation of the Sad News

    His partner, Delbert McBride, shared this tragic news with Variety, while close friend Michael Childers posted about it on social media, expressing his sorrow.

    Early Life and Career Beginnings

    Kier’s childhood took place during World War II, with his mother shielding him from bombs in a basement as the Allies advanced. He left East Germany and moved to London, where he began his acting career at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

    Later, he returned to Germany, achieving fame in the early 1970s with a series of horror films that have since become cult classics, such as Mark of the Devil (1970), Flesh for Frankenstein (1973), and Blood for Dracula (1974).

    Transition to American Cinema

    In the 1990s, Kier made the switch to American films, starting with a role as a hotel manager in My Own Private Idaho. He then appeared as a henchman in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994), a corporate employee in Johnny Mnemonic (1995), and an astronaut in Armageddon (1998).

    Even in his later years, Kier stayed active in the film industry, with his last performance as a Jewish Holocaust survivor dealing with the end of Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 2025 political thriller, The Secret Agent.

    Contributions to Video Games

    Beyond films, Kier also made a mark in video games. He portrayed Yuri, the psychic Soviet villain, in the live-action cutscenes of Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 during the 2000s, and reprised this role in the 2001 Yuri’s Revenge Expansion.

    He voiced resistance fighter Metz in 2017’s Call of Duty: WWII and the quirky Dr. Giovanni in 2022’s psychological horror game, Martha is Dead. Recently, Kier was set to return to horror-themed gaming in Hideo Kojima’s OD.

    Hideo Kojima’s Tribute

    Metal Gear creator and OD director, Hideo Kojima, expressed his grief over Kier’s death on X:

    “I’m speechless. It all happened so suddenly. Due to the strike, we couldn’t shoot OD for a long time, so we had to push it back to next year. Even during that period, Udo and I kept in touch through emails. We were in regular contact.

    When we met in Milan at the end of September, he expressed excitement about the filming starting again next year. He was full of energy then, making me laugh with his signature ‘Udo-isms.’

    I still can’t believe this. Udo wasn’t merely an actor. He was a true ‘icon’ of his era. We’ve lost a remarkable ‘icon.’ There won’t be another like him. Udo, may you rest in peace. I will always remember you.”

     

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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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  • Xbox Game Pass Price Hike Applauded by Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Studio

    Xbox Game Pass Price Hike Applauded by Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Studio

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has lost over $300 million in earnings by including Call of Duty in Xbox Game Pass.
    2. Developers of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 believe higher Game Pass rates may lead to increased revenue and more creative control.
    3. Activision executives are more optimistic about the franchise’s future, while gamers are unhappy with recent price hikes.
    4. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will cost $29.99 monthly, and some benefits, like discounts on Call of Duty DLC, have been removed.
    5. Despite a drop in Game Pass sign-ups, analysts suggest the new pricing strategy may attract both dedicated and casual gamers.


    Call of Duty games have been a major highlight on Xbox Game Pass since Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard. Still, reports show that Microsoft has lost upwards of $300 million in earnings by including the shooter in the service. One source mentions that the studio behind the game is feeling more positive now due to increased Game Pass rates.

    Industry Reactions

    Even with the negative feedback aimed at Microsoft, not all industry players are against the price hike for Xbox Game Pass. A leaker known as TheGhostOfHope has reported discussions with developers working on the next installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. These developers believe that the higher rates would lead to “more revenue, which gives them more control over their future and what they can accomplish”.

    The studio pointed out that with the price increase, they will have to rely on creating games that sell more units to earn bonuses. It’s thought that having Call of Duty games available through the service has significantly lowered the number of copies sold. If more players choose to purchase the shooter instead, this trend could increase bonuses for the developers post the Black Ops 7 launch.

    Changing Perspectives

    Activision’s executives are feeling more positive about the future of the franchise. In contrast, gamers seem less thrilled. Microsoft announced that, starting October 1st, the premium tier will cost U.S. subscribers $29.99 monthly. Aside from PC Game Pass, which also saw a price raise, players will need Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to gain access to new releases on their launch dates.

    To make matters worse, the company has also taken away benefits like discounts on Call of Duty DLC. Instead, subscribers will earn more reward points with their purchases. These updates come alongside yet another price hike for Xbox consoles from Microsoft.

    Future Outlook

    Analyst SuperJoost recently released figures indicating a steady drop in Game Pass sign-ups. It might seem reasonable that the increased prices could lead to even fewer new subscribers. Yet, he posits that by appealing to both dedicated and casual gamers, the revised pricing strategy will draw in more customers.

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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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  • Ex-Modern Warfare Director Warns Call of Duty May Lose Identity

    Ex-Modern Warfare Director Warns Call of Duty May Lose Identity

    Key Takeaways

    1. Concerns About Corporate Culture: Schofield worries that Microsoft’s corporate culture may clash with the creative teams behind Call of Duty, similar to issues seen in other franchises like Halo and Gears of War.

    2. Questions About Future Titles: He raised concerns about the fate of established franchises, noting that many valuable games have been neglected after being acquired by large corporations.

    3. Creative Talent Exodus: The departure of experienced staff from Call of Duty teams raises concerns about the franchise’s creative direction and quality, with Schofield highlighting his own exit and that of other key figures.

    4. Mixed Reception for Modern Warfare 3: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) received poor reviews despite being a top seller, indicating a disconnect between sales success and player satisfaction.

    5. Fear of Creative Stagnation: Schofield believes that the integration into Microsoft could lead to a loss of motivation and unique vision among developers, potentially harming the franchise’s future creativity.


    Sledgehammer Games co-founder Glen Schofield, who has previously directed several titles in the Call of Duty series, has shared his worries about the future of the franchise after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

    Concerns Over Corporate Culture

    In an interview with VGC at Gamescom Asia in Bangkok, Schofield highlighted potential mismatches between Xbox’s corporate culture and the creative teams involved in Call of Duty. He compared this situation to issues seen in other Microsoft-owned franchises like Halo and Gears of War, suggesting that these games have experienced downturns.

    Expressing his anxiety, Schofield said, “I worry about it immensely, I really do,” while referencing Microsoft’s past with established franchises as a cause for concern.

    Questions About the Future

    He raised questions like, “What’s happening to Gears of War, where’s Halo… you know what I mean? And look at EA, you look at these big companies, and I’m like, where are the Strike games? Where’s this game? And there are so many that just fall by the wayside.”

    Schofield elaborated on his worries about cultural assimilation, suggesting that once studios become part of a large corporation like Microsoft, they may lose their unique motivations and ambitions.

    He speculated that the attractive bonus system that has historically rewarded developers for Call of Duty’s success might be replaced by Microsoft’s more standardized pay structure. This, he believes, could lead to a decrease in motivation among the staff.

    Creative Talent Exodus

    He mentioned, “Unfortunately, once you’re assimilated by one of these companies, I think you take on some of their traits. The other thing is, I don’t know, but I would imagine that the Call of Duty bonus system is out, and now you have theirs, and people are going to go ‘that isn’t that’.”

    Schofield supported his fears regarding the franchise’s creative decline by pointing out the departure of experienced talent from the Call of Duty teams, including his own exit alongside co-founder Michael Condrey and longtime Treyarch designer David Vonderhaar, who left in 2023 after almost two decades.

    He criticized the quality of recent releases, stating, “I hate doing this, but since I left Sledgehammer, none of the games have been very good. I mean, the last one (Modern Warfare 3, 2023) was a 50. They still sell well. You know, that happens.”

    Mixed Reception for Modern Warfare 3

    Modern Warfare 3 (2023) received a Metacritic score of 56 and a generally unfavorable user score of 2.3 out of 10, with players expressing disappointment that they felt they were playing an expanded DLC rather than a standalone game. Yet, it was the best-selling game in the U.S. for November and December, finishing the year as the second best-seller behind Hogwarts Legacy.

    While Microsoft believes that the acquisition has improved Call of Duty’s reach via Game Pass and Cloud Gaming, Schofield worries about creative stagnation among key studios under Microsoft’s management.

    Reflecting on his own career, he mentioned:

    “I feel like I got lucky. I feel like I was at the heyday of EA during my time there. I mean, it was a who’s who working there. And then I got to Activision, where I made Modern Warfare 3 (2011).”

    Indeed, Modern Warfare 3 was the last Call of Duty to win Action Game of the Year, and the other two games he worked on were also nominated. However, he noted, “But now, you know, you don’t see them.”

    Conclusion

    Whether Schofield’s concerns will come to fruition is still uncertain, but his views about the future of Call of Duty reflect a growing unease among veteran developers, many of whom continue to work on the franchise today.

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  • Vince Zampella: Call of Duty Exists Due to EA’s Mistakes

    Vince Zampella: Call of Duty Exists Due to EA’s Mistakes

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vince Zampella attributes the creation of Call of Duty to conflicts with EA, leading to his departure and the founding of Infinity Ward.
    2. Zampella’s work on Medal of Honor: Allied Assault influenced the development of Call of Duty, which has sold over 500 million copies globally.
    3. After leaving EA, Zampella partnered with Activision to target Medal of Honor’s audience, shifting the military shooter landscape.
    4. Zampella returned to EA in 2010 to establish Respawn Entertainment, creating successful titles like Titanfall, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Apex Legends.
    5. Under Zampella’s leadership, Battlefield 6 achieved significant success, selling over 6.5 million copies shortly after launch and surpassing player peaks of previous titles.


    In a revealing discussion that showcased the tumultuous past of the Battlefield series, Vince Zampella, the current leader of the franchise, attributes the creation of the wildly successful Call of Duty franchise to a clash with his previous employer.

    Zampella’s Bold Statements

    In a recent chat with GQ magazine, Zampella held back nothing, declaring, “The only reason that Call of Duty exists is because EA were d.” This blunt comment underlines the tensions that led to the development of one of the biggest game franchises in history.

    To clarify, Vince Zampella’s conflict with EA forced him to depart from the company and co-establish Infinity Ward in 2002. His departure was triggered by disagreements during his work on Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, a title inspired by the vision of Steven Spielberg. This project unintentionally paved the way for Call of Duty, which has since sold over 500 million copies globally.

    A New Direction in Gaming

    After leaving EA, Zampella teamed up with Activision to create Call of Duty, aiming it squarely at Medal of Honor’s audience, thereby changing the dynamics and direction of military shooters in the industry.

    However, he made his way back to EA in 2010, setting up Respawn Entertainment, where he managed well-received games like Titanfall and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, along with the popular battle royale game, Apex Legends, which has drawn in hundreds of millions of players around the globe.

    In 2021, EA appointed Zampella as the head of the Battlefield series, entrusting him with the task of rejuvenating the franchise following the disappointing launch of Battlefield 2042, which faced criticism for bugs, design issues, and limited content.

    Battlefield’s Resurgence

    Zampella has revived the Battlefield franchise, with Battlefield 6 achieving remarkable success. The game sold over 6.5 million copies within its first few days and reached an all-time peak of 747,000 concurrent players on Steam, surpassing Apex Legends’ peak of 624,473 and overshadowing Battlefield 2042’s peak of 107,376 players.

    To illustrate, the launch of Battlefield 6 greatly outperformed its open beta, which, despite issues like unbalanced weapons and animation glitches, still attracted 521,079 concurrent players on Steam.

    Under Vince Zampella’s guidance, the Battlefield franchise has returned to its former glory, reestablishing itself as the leading large-scale multiplayer shooter, reminiscent of its golden days with Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4.

    GQ Magazine

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  • Battlefield 6 Maps Still Too Small Despite Beta Promises

    Battlefield 6 Maps Still Too Small Despite Beta Promises

    Key Takeaways

    1. Maps in Battlefield 6 are perceived as cramped, hindering tactical gameplay.
    2. Players express frustration over the overall design, citing a lack of hiding spots and strategic options.
    3. Long-time fans feel Battlefield 6 resembles Call of Duty, leading to mixed reactions among players.
    4. Developers’ promises for larger maps have not materialized, causing disappointment.
    5. Despite initial skepticism, Battlefield 6 has seen a record number of players, but dissatisfaction with map design may drive some to seek alternatives.


    One of the major complaints during the beta tests for Battlefield 6 was the maps feeling cramped. This made the gameplay appear less tactical and more akin to the fast-paced action found in Call of Duty. The developers promised that larger maps would be available in the final game. Sadly, issues regarding the tight spaces have not disappeared even after the release of Battlefield 6.

    Ongoing Discontent with Maps

    Posts on Reddit showcase a variety of frustrations with the maps in Battlefield 6. User Dull-Caterpillar3153 notes that the maps are generally smaller than those in past installments. Although there are some bigger locations to explore, such as Mirak Valley, players still find it hard to organize strategic attacks.

    Design Flaws Not Just Size

    Some issues stem from the design of the maps rather than their overall size. Gamers have pointed out a lack of hiding spots or opportunities to launch attacks without being spotted. As SirWabbitz puts it, “It feels like you are surrounded 24/7 so Goodluck being alive for more than a few seconds.”

    Mixed Reactions from Players

    Many gamers who joined the Battlefield 6 launch might be having fun with the more chaotic gameplay. However, long-time fans of the series are finding it strikingly similar to Call of Duty. Black Ops 7, another title that has been criticized for its unoriginal gameplay, is set to release on November 14th.

    A number of players also feel deceived by the developers’ statements about the maps in Battlefield 6. In an interview with PC Gamer Magazine, Design Director Salim Fasahat reiterated that the maps in the open beta were “intentionally smaller.” Technical Director Christian Buhl mentioned that “logistical reasons” were behind the smaller environments. With more player interactions, it was easier to adjust gunplay and other game mechanics.

    Despite some skepticism from dedicated Battlefield fans, the latest game has started off impressively. Over 747,000 players have logged in at the same time, surpassing records set by previous Call of Duty or Battlefield games. Still, if players can’t adapt to the new changes, they might look for alternatives.

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  • Battlefield 6 Hits 747,000 Players on Steam, Breaks Call of Duty Record

    Battlefield 6 Hits 747,000 Players on Steam, Breaks Call of Duty Record

    Key Takeaways

    1. Battlefield 6 achieved record player numbers, peaking at over 747,700 on launch, surpassing previous records held by Call of Duty and earlier Battlefield games.
    2. Currently, Battlefield 6 ranks just behind Counter-Strike 2 in Steam player counts, significantly outperforming Battlefield 2042 and Battlefield 5.
    3. Comparisons with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 suggest it may struggle to match Battlefield 6’s player engagement, especially given the beta’s lower peak of around 100,000 players.
    4. Players are experiencing server issues, including long wait times and prompts to repurchase content, despite developers’ assurances of prepared servers.
    5. Battlefield 6 has received a positive rating on Metacritic (84) but has been critiqued for a weak single-player campaign, while multiplayer options remain popular among players.


    It’s clear that Battlefield 6 has become a major hit since its launch. During the open beta, the shooter drew in a peak of more than 520,000 players on Steam. Now, the full version seems to be even more successful than EA anticipated. Just a few hours after going live, over 747,700 players were online, breaking records previously held by both Call of Duty and earlier Battlefield games.

    Current Player Stats

    Right now, Battlefield 6 is only behind Counter-Strike 2 in terms of Steam player numbers. When looking at past games, Battlefield 2042 had a peak of 107,376 players while Battlefield 5 managed to attract 116,104. However, it seems that Dice has its eyes set on competing with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which has outperformed its own series in sales.

    Comparisons to Other Titles

    SteamDB combines player data from several Call of Duty titles. The highest player count for that series reached 491,670 after the free Warzone 2 launch in November 2022. If the beta for Black Ops 7 is anything to go by, it might have a tough time keeping up with Battlefield 6 when it releases on November 14. During testing, it only peaked at about 100,000 players.

    Some gamers feel that Black Ops 7 has not brought enough fresh ideas or upgrades to the franchise. However, player counts on Steam only offer a small view of a game that’s available on multiple platforms. Even on PCs, there are various launchers that make data harder to get. Activision appears aware of the challenges ahead, especially after they decided to prolong the open beta for Black Ops 7.

    Server Issues and Player Experience

    Many fans are hopeful that the classic Battlefield maps will see increased player activity over the weekend. Even though the developers stated that servers would be prepared, many players are experiencing long wait times to log in. Additionally, some frustrated gamers are being prompted to buy content they’ve already purchased before they can start their first matches.

    Battlefield 6 has shown improvement over Battlefield 2042, boasting an 84 rating on Metacritic. However, critics generally view its single-player campaign as lackluster. This hasn’t lessened the excitement among Steam users who are more interested in its multiplayer options.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Cuts Call of Duty Add-on Discounts

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Cuts Call of Duty Add-on Discounts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate prices have increased from $19.99 to $29.99, causing dissatisfaction among gamers.
    2. Call of Duty fans will no longer receive a 10% discount on add-ons, including Call of Duty points and BlackCell.
    3. The new Premium tier offers some first-party Xbox games but does not include Call of Duty titles.
    4. Discounts on DLC for other Xbox games, like Indiana Jones and Starfield, have also been removed.
    5. Microsoft faces criticism and user cancellations despite claims that Game Pass offers more value than before.


    Gamers are continuing to discover more downsides to the recent increase in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate prices. CharlieIntel shared on social media that Call of Duty fans will no longer get a 10% discount on add-ons. This update comes right after the beta testing for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has started.

    DLC and Add-Ons Impact

    DLC and add-ons represent a significant revenue stream for Activision’s yearly shooter franchise. Players can personalize their gaming experience through skins and cosmetic options for weapons and vehicles. The discounts that are affected include buying Call of Duty points and BlackCell, which is an enhanced battle pass.

    Access and Pricing Details

    Subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate might consider themselves lucky to even have access to Call of Duty titles. Beyond PC Game Pass, it’s now the only tier that offers day one releases like Black Ops 7. The new $14.99 Premium tier will provide some first-party Xbox games within a year of their launch, but it does not include Call of Duty. Nonetheless, the price for the Ultimate plan has sharply increased from $19.99 to $29.99, as of October 1st.

    Other Games Affected

    Fans of shooter games aren’t the only ones facing full prices for extra content. TheGamer pointed out that discounts on the Order of the Giants DLC for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have vanished. In a similar fashion, regardless of the subscription level, discounts are no longer available for other Xbox titles like Starfield and Forza Horizon 5.

    Microsoft is facing ongoing criticism after the recent price hikes for Xbox consoles. The rumored more expensive subscription options quickly became actual plans. While the company may have shifted its focus away from the Series X|S, Game Pass continues to be a significant selling point for the new ROG Xbox Ally gaming handhelds. Even though Microsoft asserts that the service provides more value than before, it hasn’t stopped a wave of cancellations from users.

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