The launch of Black Ops 7 on November 14, 2023, has been met with significant backlash from players, resulting in a steep decline in user reviews across multiple platforms. Many gamers are expressing disappointment, leading some to label it the “worst Call of Duty of all time” as the game’s user score plummets.
Following the game’s release, the player count on platforms like Steam has not matched the peaks of previous installments in the franchise. As criticisms of various gameplay components, particularly the campaign, continue to mount, the user score on Metacritic has reached a historic low of 1.8. This score stems from a total of 661 user reviews, with 570 categorized as negative. Such ratings position Black Ops 7 as the lowest-scoring title in the Call of Duty franchise, surpassing the previous low of 2.3 held by Modern Warfare 3 (2023).
Declining Reception and Player Sentiment
The overwhelming number of low scores reflects a broader dissatisfaction among players, many of whom describe the game as a “total waste of time and money.” One review succinctly stated, “Has to be the worst CoD of all time. I want my money back.” This sentiment resonates with a growing number of players, with some suggesting that 2025 might be the year when Activision “killed Call of Duty once and for all.”
Interestingly, some players have expressed relief that Black Ops 7 was available on Game Pass, allowing them to experience the game without a financial commitment. One user commented, “Game Pass has paid for itself by letting me discover it’s an absolute stinker without buying it.” This highlights the mixed reactions towards the game’s perceived value.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Franchise?
As the dust settles, the gaming community is left to ponder the future of the franchise. Black Ops 7 entered a competitive market this year, facing not only challenges from within the Call of Duty series but also from titles like Battlefield 6 and Arc Raiders. The initial reviews and user feedback signal a turbulent road ahead, but the true impact on the game’s longevity remains to be seen.
In a review conducted by our team, Black Ops 7 was initially viewed as an underdog in a crowded gaming landscape. The ongoing player feedback will be crucial in determining how the title evolves, particularly as more players share their impressions in the coming weeks. With the gaming community’s reaction so pivotal, it will be essential for Activision to address these concerns to restore confidence in the franchise.
