Activision has officially announced the latest installment in the highly successful Call of Duty franchise during the recent Xbox Games Showcase, unveiling Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, this upcoming title marks a significant shift in the series’ history, as it is the first instance of consecutive releases in the Black Ops lineage.
Continuing the storyline introduced in Black Ops 2 and expanded upon in Black Ops 6, Black Ops 7 blends conspiracy theories and psychological warfare within a mind-bending campaign. Notably, the timeline has progressed from the 1990s to a near-futuristic 2035. Players will take on the role of David Mason, the son of the iconic protagonist Alex Mason, leading a new team against the returning antagonist, Raul Menendez.
General Manager of Call of Duty, Matt Cox, expressed enthusiasm for this consecutive release strategy, stating that the concept aims to deliver the full Call of Duty experience while tapping into the creativity associated with the Black Ops sub-franchise. Interestingly, the game is confirmed as a full launch rather than an expansion of Black Ops 6, debunking earlier rumors to the contrary.
As we anticipate the official reveal later this summer, early insights indicate that while the game might not revisit the extreme futuristic movement from Black Ops 4, it may build upon the advanced movement mechanics first established in Black Ops 6. There are hints of possible wall-running abilities being explored in the game files.
Additionally, the campaign will feature both single-player and cooperative play, which has been a rare offering within the series. With a vibrant new color scheme and a teaser that sets the stage for an engaging narrative, the buzz surrounding Black Ops 7 is palpable.
Tyler Bahl, Head of Activision Publishing and Marketing, highlighted the excitement for this new chapter: “The full reveal of Black Ops 7 is coming later this summer, so the community should be on the lookout for teases, clues, and the surprises that the Black Ops series is known for.”
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to release on the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via various platforms, including Xbox PC, Battle.net, and Steam. The game will also be available at launch for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers without additional costs, ensuring a broad audience can experience this new addition to the franchise right from the start.
Amidst the somber themes of warfare and conflict, this announcement provides an opportunity for players to engage in thrilling new gameplay experiences while exploring rich narratives that push boundaries. With the anticipation building, enthusiasts can look forward to a summer filled with excitement around the future of Call of Duty.