Neon lights, cats, racing cars, a karaoke bar and a 16th century castle… in the same game. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, scheduled for November 14 on consoles and PC, intends to make an impression with two multiplayer maps located in Japan. Far from being simple combat grounds, they become settings in their own right, as stylized as they are culturally imbued.
The developers at Treyarch have focused on a futuristic atmosphere anchored in reality. The game takes place in 2035, but certain maps immerse players in a Tokyo where the technologies of tomorrow rub shoulders with the historical symbols of Japan. Among them: Toshin, a vibrant urban district, and Den, an ancestral castle invaded by modern servers. This aesthetic choice is not trivial. According to Matt Scronce, art director of the game: “Every detail has been taken into account, every space has been designed to pay homage to the setting.”
Toshin and Den: the two faces of Japan according to Call of Duty
The Toshin map, available from the October beta, offers a trip through downtown Tokyo from a unique perspective. Players circulate between luminous Japanese panels, ultra-modern architecture and an active monorail. The streets are lined with specific cultural references: a ramen restaurant called Akari Kitchen, a cat cafe decorated with a mural, and even a karaoke bar projecting Japanese lyrics on a big screen.
Everything is designed to evoke authenticity while amplifying the fiction. Miles Leslie, Associate Creative Director, explains that “Japan provided the right tone, scale and contrast to anchor our narrative and gameplay.”
© Activision
In contrast, Den transports players to the quiet heights of the city. There, a Japanese castle with a traditional design becomes the scene of high-risk clashes. Tatami mats, sliding doors and a Zen garden are still visible, although the interior has been refurbished with equipment from the year 2035. Wall jumps from the roofs and shootouts in the ancient castle rooms promise to be highlights.
For Brittany Pirello, Senior Producer: “The vision of Japan in the near future gave us the ideal setting to tell our story, inviting both Japanese fans to see their world reimagined and actors around the world to explore one of the most visually and culturally rich environments we have ever created.”
A marketing strategy as immersive as the game itself
In parallel with this virtual staging, Activision is planning a very real activation: on November 7, a Toshin Matcha Bar will temporarily open its doors in London. The opportunity to bring the Japanese experience of Call of Duty beyond the screen, in a setting directly inspired by the Toshin map.
© Activision
With 16 6v6 maps and two 20v20 maps planned for launch, Black Ops 7 intends to reconnect with the DNA of the series while propelling it into a bold aesthetic. The absence of early access does not prevent the feverish anticipation of a community already seduced by this unexpected journey into the Japan of tomorrow.