Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is off to a sluggish start, facing lower sales and critical reception compared to earlier titles, influenced by recent competitors like Battlefield 6.
Smaller launch than expected
Less enthusiastic developer response
Lowest user score on Metacritic
Concerns over AI usage in development
Competition impacting sales
Lack of single-player focus
This report highlights a rocky start for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, as Activision seems less excited about its release, contrasting previous years where launches were celebrated with fanfare.
Muted Developer Response Signals Shift
Activision’s reaction to Black Ops 7 feels different this time. Instead of vibrant stats, they simply thanked the community and acknowledged the developers.
They did note positive feedback about the gameplay, but it lacked the typical excitement found in launches. Last year’s Black Ops 6 boasted impressive player stats, like being the “#1 Total Players.” Now, the tone feels less victorious.
Sales Numbers Reveal Competition’s Impact
Industry data shows Black Ops 7’s UK retail launch was weaker than Battlefield 6’s, leading to questions about its market position. It’s also attracting criticism online.
GfK sales data prompts concern
Steam player counts lower than before
Metacritic shows lowest user ratings
AI Usage Raises Regulatory Questions
Black Ops 7 has sparked a conversation about generative AI use in game development, pulling attention from politicians like Congressman Ro Khanna. This brings up the need for clearer AI regulations moving forward.
Meanwhile, reviewers comment on the game’s departure from the strong single-player experiences of yore, instead delivering fun but somewhat unremarkable gameplay compared to past titles.
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