The launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has been one of the most awaited ones this year. Activision promised a lot of new changes and features with this entry into the beloved series. But a lot of it seems to have fallen flat, with the game releasing mixed reviews on Steam.
The main point of contention for players seems to be the game’s “always-online” requirement, even for its single-player mode. Activision also added an optional but controversial $20 audio subscription for better audio quality, which is also not being loved by fans. The list of issues goes on from there.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Isn’t The Triumphant Return The Series Wanted
Call of Duty once set the standard in shooter games with dedicated online multiplayer modes and compelling single-player campaigns. But fans know that the series has slacked hard in the last few titles. And this mediocrity continues in Black Ops 6.
This game has everything gamers don’t want.
— ChaoticNerd (@nerds4nerds) October 25, 2024
Activision’s decision to require a continuous internet requirement on Black Ops 6’s solo mode feels out of place to many. Previously, players only needed internet connectivity for multiplayer and seasonal updates. But now you need to be constantly online just to play the single-player campaign.
According to Activision, this requirement is due to the game’s “texture-streaming” feature, which allows for high-quality graphics without massive storage demands. But with the game’s 100+ GB file size, it’s hard to really believe that.
I’m not gonna buy any more games that require single player to also be online. I learned my lesson from Fallout 76. If I can’t play it offline, then I can never own it, even though I paid for it. I also can’t control what updates do to it. pic.twitter.com/2KpMu1fXDH
— Shadow Mann (@ShadowMann9) October 25, 2024
This also means that if the game servers are facing issues or if the player’s internet is facing issues, you literally can’t even play the solo campaign mode. This technology, introduced in previous Call of Duty games, was initially optional. However, in Black Ops 6, texture streaming is mandatory.
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The shift to an online-only model for the campaign has also raised concerns about the game’s longevity. Historically, older Call of Duty games have maintained offline campaign functionality even when their multiplayer servers were eventually deactivated.
Call Of Duty Fans Need To Stop Supporting Mediocrity
With Black Ops 6, however, the entire game becomes inaccessible without internet access, meaning that once the servers are down, all modes will be unplayable. For a franchise with a loyal fanbase that often revisits older campaigns, this will alienate long-term players and discourage future sales.
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In addition to the always-online requirement, Black Ops 6 introduces an optional $20 audio subscription. This has also gotten players debating about paid features within a full-priced game. This feature offers a five-year subscription for improved spatial audio, developed in collaboration with Embody.
This audio upgrade offers a unique sound profile for each user based on their ear shape. While the technology may appeal to serious gamers, some fans feel that a separate, paid service for a better audio experience is unnecessary.
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While $20 for five years may seem like a low cost, it shows that gaming companies can monetize supplementary services. Players may wonder if this trend will extend to other core features, such as advanced graphics or even premium game modes.
As companies experiment with monetization strategies and data management tactics, fans are left wondering how these shifts will affect their experience and the game’s longevity.
What have you thought of Black Ops 6 so far? Let us know in the comments!
