Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has faced unexpected challenges during its closed beta phase. The anticipation for the new installment, developed by Activision, fell flat as initial player engagement was surprisingly low. On Steam, the closed beta recorded only about 74,000 simultaneous players, an underwhelming start for a franchise known for breaking records.
Beta Data Reveals Black Ops 7 Struggles Against Battlefield 6
The situation improved notably with the launch of the open beta on October 5. According to SteamDB, the number of active participants surged to 377,000, marking the highest figure recorded since the beta’s inception. However, discrepancies in statistics emerged, with some sources reporting a peak closer to 100,000 simultaneous players. Regardless of which number is accurate, Black Ops 7’s performance pales in comparison to its major competitor, Battlefield 6, which boasted over 450,000 simultaneous players during its beta phase.
Comparative Performance Analysis
The disparity in player numbers is noteworthy, especially considering that access to the Black Ops 7 beta was initially restricted to pre-order customers, Game Pass subscribers, and selected stream viewers. This restriction likely contributed to the lower engagement levels. Despite this, the increase in player numbers during the open beta signals that many players opted to wait for a broader experience before making judgments.
- Closed beta peak: 74,000 simultaneous players
- Open beta peak: 377,000 simultaneous players (or 100,000 as per some reports)
- Battlefield 6 beta peak: 450,000 simultaneous players
- Open beta launch date: October 5
Community Feedback and Concerns
Community reactions to Black Ops 7 have been mixed. While some players appreciate minor improvements in gameplay, others raise concerns about technical issues and a perceived lack of innovation in the game design. Many fans express feelings of diminishing excitement, as they perceive each new release as a slightly altered version of the previous installment.
This sentiment of “Call of Duty fatigue” is increasingly evident across social media platforms, where enthusiasm is noticeably absent. As for Activision, there has been no official comment regarding the lukewarm player statistics. The true level of interest in Black Ops 7 may only become clearer after the open beta concludes.
Game Features and Release Date
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 continues the narrative from its predecessor, set in the year 2035. Players will once again step into the shoes of David Mason, leading his special unit in a world filled with power struggles, covert operations, and psychological warfare. The game will feature a robust single-player campaign, which is playable in cooperative mode for the first time. Additionally, the beloved multiplayer and zombie modes will make a return.
The global release of the game is slated for November 14, 2025, and it will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
