A major leak suggests Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 may lock limited-time events and rewards behind battle pass paywalls, triggering backlash from fans. Here’s everything we know so far.
A new leak regarding Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has ignited controversy among fans, as it hints at a significant change in how limited-time events (LTMs) may function in the upcoming game. According to reputable leaker “The Ghost of Hope,” Activision and developer Treyarch are planning to lock several “higher-value” seasonal events and game modes behind the game’s battle pass system. If accurate, this would mark a major shift from previous Call of Duty titles, where LTMs were free and accessible to all players.
The rumored change involves gating not only access to certain LTMs but also tying their exclusive mechanics and rewards directly to the battle pass. Previously, Call of Duty players could enjoy these events at no cost, with optional premium reward tracks available during mid-season “Reloaded” updates. However, this system may be scrapped entirely in favor of making both participation and rewards exclusive to paying battle pass owners.
The Ghost of Hope claims that this move is intended to increase the overall value of the battle pass by including high-tier skins, crossover operators, and loot previously available to all. As an example, if this system had already been in place, popular free events like the High Art event featuring Seth Rogen might have been paywalled.
The leak has sparked widespread concern and criticism across the community. Many long-time players argue that this change undermines the inclusive spirit of Call of Duty’s seasonal content, which has traditionally aimed to engage the entire player base. Fans also worry this could reduce the game’s accessibility and turn fun, community-wide moments into exclusive content for paying users only.
The alleged shift has also led to speculation about the broader pricing strategy for the game. With Microsoft reportedly eyeing an $80 price tag for the next Call of Duty installment, fans are frustrated by what they perceive as double-dipping: charging full price for the base game and locking meaningful gameplay experiences behind an additional paywall.
Though Activision and Treyarch have not officially confirmed Black Ops 7 or any of these details, previous leaks suggest the game will serve as a sequel to Black Ops 2, potentially bringing back fan-favorite characters like Woods and Mason. The campaign is rumored to feature four-player co-op and open-world elements, while Warzone’s recent resurgence with the return of Verdansk has rekindled interest in the franchise.
Still, the prospect of premium-only events could have long-term consequences. If player engagement drops and core content becomes inaccessible to free players, even high-spending users may lose interest. For now, all eyes are on Activision to clarify its plans and whether it will heed the growing backlash before making such sweeping monetization changes official.
Stay tuned for updates as more information on Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 becomes available.
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