At the end of the recent Xbox Games Showcase, the studio finally unveiled this year’s Call of Duty as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Fresh off the heels of Black Ops 6, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to take the franchise back to the near future for a direct sequel to the fan-favorite Black Ops 2. While not much is known about just where this title will take the series, the trailer promises one of the most mind-bending Call of Duty experiences yet. That may lead to something truly special, but the entire experience may also be in a bit of a tough spot.
As of now, it seems like there are a couple of things stacked up against Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. For starters, this title is coming only a year after Black Ops 6, and the last time Call of Duty did something like that it did not pan out well. On top of that, those who are looking for a more standard military story will not find that here, as the studio is promising this title will be a wild one. So, even though it will likely be a success, if it does not overcome those obstacles, then it may not make the waves that previous entries have.
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Black Ops 7 May Have a Lot to Prove to Audiences
Back-to-Back Call of Duty Releases Haven't Panned Out Well Recently
One of the biggest things that seems to be stacked against Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is that it is coming only a year after Black Ops 6. Of course, the franchise is known for its yearly releases, as it has been doing that since 2005's Call of Duty 2. However, the series used to alternate between developers and subseries, giving each subsequent entry time to build up hype and allowing the developer more time to craft a stellar experience. With Black Ops 7, Treyarch is not getting that chance, which could hurt the game in the long run.
The only other time the franchise has done this was with 2023's Modern Warfare 3. While a different developer may have headed up its development, it came out only a year after Modern Warfare 2 hit store shelves. Upon release, it was met with negative reviews due to its campaign and the feeling of being incomplete. As of now, it is the lowest-rated mainline installment on Metacritic. So, although that reception is not guaranteed, releasing the next entry in a Call of Duty subseries only a year after the last does not have a great track record.
Black Ops 7's Campaign May Not Be for Everyone
Along with that, Black Ops 7's reveal trailer was far removed from a classic military story. It is set in the near future and leaves questions about just where this story is headed. Based on previous Black Ops stories, things will likely get even stranger throughout the course of the story. As such, this upcoming entry will likely be polarizing.
It feels like the days of a more standard military story within Call of Duty are gone as both Black Ops and Modern Warfare delve into more surreal, sci-fi tales. The studio is even promising this entry to be the "most mind-bending Black Ops ever," so those looking for the stories of Call of Duty's past will not find it here. Because of that, the franchise may lose out on that audience, and if the next chapter does not tone things down, they may not want to come back.
That said, there is a chance it follows in the footsteps of Modern Warfare 3 or alienates some of the fanbase. At the same time, fans of the Black Ops series may just flock to it, especially those who loved Black Ops 2's campaign. Either way, players will just have to wait and see as the release date nears.
- Released
- November 13, 2012
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- Treyarch
- Publisher(s)
- Activision
- Engine
- iw
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer, Local Co-Op
- Franchise
- Call of Duty
