Call of Duty: The Annual Showdown with Battlefield 6 and Fan Expectations

Fri Nov 14 2025 20:15:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The latest installment of the iconic video game franchise Call of Duty drops amid rising competition from Battlefield 6 and shifting fan sentiments. Activision's handling of the series’ identity and character customization has drawn scrutiny.

Call of Duty returns for its annual release, now facing competition from the successful Battlefield 6. With a record of 500 million copies sold and a film adaptation in the works, Activision attempts to maintain its prestige while addressing fans’ concerns over character skins and the game’s direction. The upcoming installment, Black Ops 7, promises an engaging narrative featuring actors Kiernan Shipka and Milo Ventimiglia, amidst fears of franchise fatigue.

Call of Duty: The Annual Showdown with Battlefield 6 and Fan Expectations

There are some things you can always rely on, and a new Call of Duty game coming out each year is one of them. As one of the best-known names in video games, it's a series that needs little introduction.

According to publisher Activision, it's sold an estimated 500 million copies, a movie adaptation is on the way, and despite having launched in 2003 it still reliably appears at - or near - the top of the annual bestseller charts.

But this year the world's top military shooter might have a fight on its hands.

Battlefield 6, which has been a huge hit for rival gaming giant Electronic Arts, has been drawing attention away from its veteran competitor. Long-time Call of Duty fans have become increasingly vocal over worries about the series losing touch with its roots.

The clash of the multiplayer titans comes at an interesting time for the makers of Call of Duty, who've had to issue responses to fan concerns about the series losing its way.

When Activision revealed skins based on 90s cartoon characters Beavis and Butthead earlier this year, there was a backlash. Fans accused the company of trying to mimic Fortnite, the ever-popular multiplayer game known for its unlikely crossovers, which have included pop star Sabrina Carpenter and an AI-voiced Darth Vader in 2025.

Activision said the feedback from fans hit home and that it took the complaints about the series losing its identity seriously.

It's worth noting that the latest edition of the franchise, Black Ops 7, promises an engaging narrative directed by experienced developers who are keen to rekindle the excitement of Call of Duty's iconic storytelling.

When BBC News sits down with lead producer Natalie Pohorski and senior comms director Stephanie Snowdon, they're excited to discuss the single-player story campaign of Black Ops 7, emphasizing its blockbuster-quality set pieces.

Kiernan Shipka takes a central role in Black Ops 7's campaign, stating her enthusiasm about the project is thrilling due to the franchise’s massive fan base. Milo Ventimiglia adds that he hopes to meet fan expectations while delivering an engaging experience.

Ultimately, despite some fears of franchise fatigue, the excitement surrounding Black Ops 7's multiplayer mode, narrative depth, and character development may steer the series back toward its stronghold in the gaming world.

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