In a surprising and somewhat abrupt turn of events, Activision has announced a significant policy reversal for the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. What was once touted as a continuity feature – the “Carry Forward” program – will no longer apply to player-owned operators, cosmetic skins, and weapon blueprints from Black Ops 6. This decision, the publisher states, is a deliberate effort to re-anchor the franchise to its foundational identity, aiming for a more “authentic” and “grounded” gameplay experience.
The Shifting Sands of Player Progression
Just a week prior, the gaming community received confirmation that the Carry Forward program, which allows players to transfer their digital arsenals and character customizations from one title to the next, would indeed make its return for Black Ops 7, albeit with some unspecified exceptions. Now, the picture has completely changed. “Operators, Operator Skins, and Weapons from Black Ops 6 will no longer carry forward into Black Ops 7,” Activision firmly declared. The reasoning provided points to a desire for Black Ops 7 to “feel authentic to Call of Duty and its setting.”
For many players who have invested considerable time and, more importantly, money into acquiring unique cosmetics and upgrading their weapons in previous titles, this news arrives with a sting. While the announcement offers a small comfort by confirming that “double XP tokens and GobbleGums will continue to carry forward” – an acknowledgment that “your time and progression are important” – it`s hard to ignore the stark contrast between digital consumables and premium cosmetic purchases.
An “Identity Crisis” in the Warzone Era?
Activision`s statement candidly addresses a pervasive sentiment within the Call of Duty community: a feeling that the franchise has “drifted from what made Call of Duty unique in the first place.” The company acknowledges the widespread desire for the game to be “immersive, intense, visceral and in many ways grounded.” This self-reflection is intriguing, especially considering the direction Call of Duty has taken in recent years, embracing increasingly outlandish and often anachronistic operator skins, ranging from popular culture icons to fantastical creatures.
This “drift” has been a topic of fervent debate among fans. On one side, some embrace the vibrant, diverse array of customization options, seeing them as a fun way to express individuality. On the other, a vocal segment yearns for a return to a more serious, military-focused aesthetic, arguing that the “wacky skins” undermine the game`s immersive qualities and competitive integrity. It appears Activision has, at least in part, sided with the latter, implicitly linking the removal of Carry Forward to a desire for a more cohesive and believable game world in Black Ops 7.
The Battlefield Effect: Competitive Pressure or Creative Rebirth?
The timing of Activision`s declaration is particularly noteworthy, unfolding against the backdrop of EA`s renewed marketing push for Battlefield 6. Battlefield Studios has made it clear that its upcoming title will emphasize “grounded” multiplayer skins, with design director Shashank Uchil explicitly stating, “It has to be grounded… I don`t think it needs Nicki Minaj.” This thinly veiled jab at Call of Duty`s recent celebrity crossovers serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing rivalry between the two long-standing FPS giants.
Is Activision`s sudden pivot a genuine creative redirection, or a reactive strategic move to counter a rival`s marketing narrative? The truth likely lies somewhere in between. Player feedback has been consistent, and the competitive landscape undoubtedly sharpens focus. By recalibrating the aesthetic for Black Ops 7, Activision might be attempting to reclaim a segment of its audience disillusioned by the “drift” while also positioning itself more favorably against Battlefield 6`s emphasis on military realism.
What This Means for Players and the Future of CoD
For the average Call of Duty player, this decision brings several implications:
- Renewed Focus on New Content: With no legacy cosmetics to transfer, Black Ops 7`s initial content will feel entirely fresh and specific to its setting, potentially fostering a stronger sense of immersion.
- Impact on Monetization: Will Activision introduce a new set of “grounded” cosmetics for Black Ops 7? And how will players react to investing in a new collection, given the recent invalidation of previous purchases` longevity?
- Player Trust: Abrupt policy changes can erode player trust, especially when they affect perceived value and investment in a game. Activision will need to manage expectations carefully for future titles.
- Warzone`s Exemption: Crucially, Call of Duty: Warzone remains unaffected by this change. All Black Ops 6 content will continue to be usable in the popular battle royale, maintaining continuity in that ecosystem. This distinction highlights the separate, yet intertwined, identities of the mainline games and Warzone.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to launch on November 14 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. This decision regarding the Carry Forward program marks a significant moment, potentially signaling a strategic shift for one of gaming`s most enduring franchises. Whether this pivot truly ushers in a new era of “grounded authenticity” or merely reshuffles the deck in the eternal quest for player engagement and market share remains to be seen. But for now, players will be looking closely at what “authentic” really means when the next Black Ops title drops.
Callum Darby