A week to convince. This is the bet launched by Activision, which makes the multiplayer and the Zombies mode of Call of Duty Black Ops 7 completely free. An unprecedented seduction operation in the recent history of the franchise, which is visibly seeking to win back the heart of an increasingly volatile community.
The appointment is set for next week. On PC, PlayStation and Xbox, players will be able to freely dive into the competitive modes of one of the most anticipated – and contested – blockbusters of the year. The message is clear: the publisher is not giving up, despite mixed feedback since the game’s release.
A franchise in decline… and in search of redemption
Behind this unusual opening, the entire strategy of Call of Duty is faltering. After a commercial launch considered disappointing in several territories, Black Ops 7 fails to match the performance of its predecessor. Against the backdrop of the takeover by Microsoft, Activision therefore chooses to respond head-on to criticism.
“We know that for some of you, Call of Duty did not fully meet your expectations,” said the publisher in a press release published on the game’s official website. This almost contrite tone is rare in an industry more accustomed to self-congratulations than to questioning.
Double XP and expanded access: the field is free for the undecided
During this free week, all players will have unrestricted access to the two most popular pillars of the game: multiplayer and Zombies mode. To encourage engagement, a Double XP event will launch simultaneously, allowing for rapid progression and a full overview of the game system.
“We would like you to be able to discover the game for yourselves and form your own opinion,” says Activision, which is banking on direct experience rather than advertising. A form of confidence displayed despite fragile commercial signals.
A planned offensive against Battlefield 6 and Arc Raiders
This gesture is part of fierce competition. While Battlefield 6 receives praise for its revitalization of gameplay, and that Arc Raiders enjoys renewed interest Since its Cold Snap update, the pressure has been maximum on Activision’s FPS.
“Please be assured that we fully understand your expectations and will do everything possible to meet and exceed them as we move forward,” the statement concluded. For the studio’s leaders, free access is less an admission of failure than a final call for mobilization.
It remains to be seen whether this week of free access will restore the image of a license which, despite its historical weight, today seems set to win back its own army of fans.