Upon its arrival on Steam, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 attracted public attention, but its initial figures remain significantly behind those of Battlefield 6. Despite a release that had been anticipated for months, Activision’s latest installment failed to surpass its rival’s player peak on the same platform. This immediate comparison surprised some observers, especially since the title’s release coincided with an update for Warzone, which was expected to attract more users. However, despite this supposed synergy, the reception fell short of the ambitions set by the publisher, reigniting debates about the franchise’s place in the current shooter landscape.

The mixed reception of Black Ops 7 on Steam has compounded the situation. Player criticism quickly multiplied, targeting not only the game’s constant Internet requirement but also the lack of a pause function in the single-player campaign, which led to significant review bombing. Further controversy emerged over the alleged use of AI-generated artwork for certain aesthetic elements, such as Calling Cards. These controversies weakened the game’s perception from its first few hours, even though Activision still hopes to see the trend reverse. The comparison with the initial performance of Battlefield 6, which has nevertheless been losing momentum since its historic peak, remains particularly unfavorable for Black Ops 7.

The situation is further complicated by another title, ARC Raiders, which has upended the balance with impressive figures. With a peak exceeding 460,000 players, it surpassed not only Black Ops 7, but also Battlefield 6, despite their established reputations. Its rapid growth is as intriguing as it is concerning for the two competing giants, as it demonstrates massive enthusiasm for a new proposition in the genre. While the fanbases of Call of Duty and Battlefield keep a close eye on their respective series, the emergence of such a strong outsider could permanently reshuffle the competitive multiplayer shooter sector.

It should nevertheless be remembered that Steam statistics represent only part of the overall picture. Black Ops 7 is notably benefiting from increased visibility through its inclusion in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, where an unknown but potentially very large number of players may be found. The actual distribution of users across consoles and PC therefore remains unclear, and only a broader analysis will make it possible to assess its true impact. Despite its lukewarm start, the franchise still has a solid foundation and numerous updates planned. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether this new installment can reverse the trend and establish itself over the long term against its competitors, both old and new.