Call of Duty Under Fire: Ignoring Game Issues While Pushing New Bundles

Activision's recent promotional tweet for a new Call of Duty store bundle has ignited a firestorm of criticism from the gaming community. The tweet, boasting over 2 million views and countless angry replies, highlights a growing disconnect between Activision and its player base. The outrage stems from Activision's continued focus on monetization through new store bundles while neglecting critical, ongoing issues plaguing both Warzone and Black Ops 6.

Multiple game-breaking problems plague both titles. Severe cheating in Ranked Play modes is rampant and unresolved, alongside persistent server issues. This has led to a significant drop in player numbers on Steam, with over 47% of Black Ops 6 players abandoning the platform since the game's October 2024 release. Prominent players, including Scump, have publicly stated that the franchise is in its worst state ever.

The Controversial Tweet:

The January 8th tweet, promoting a Squid Game VIP-themed bundle, was the final straw for many. Instead of addressing widespread complaints regarding hacking, server instability, and other gameplay frustrations, Activision chose to promote in-game purchases. This decision has been widely interpreted as tone-deaf and out of touch.

Player Backlash:

The response was swift and furious. Influential figures like FaZe Swagg urged Activision to "read the room," echoing the sentiments of countless players. CharlieIntel highlighted the absurdity of prioritizing new bundles over fixing a broken Ranked Play system, where players struggle to complete even a few matches. Many players, like Taeskii, have vowed to boycott store bundles until the anti-cheat measures are significantly improved.

The dwindling player count on Steam, while not necessarily reflective of all platforms, strongly suggests that the ongoing issues are driving players away. The combination of rampant cheating, server problems, and Activision's perceived indifference is pushing the Call of Duty franchise to a critical juncture. Whether Activision will respond effectively to this widespread player discontent remains to be seen.