Treyarch makes a U-Turn to BO7 after Activision's fiasco

The Treyarch confirmed that some skins from Black Ops 6 will be transferred to Black Ops 7, in a twist on the previous decision by Activision to prevent cosmetic transfers. Activision's initial decision came after community complaints about what they called "cartoon skins" and the "Fortnite-ification" of Call of Duty.

In a move that shocked the community, Activision announced last month that Operators, Operator Skins, and purchased Weapons for Black Ops 6 would not be transferred to Black Ops 7. The publisher justified the decision by saying that Black Ops 7 "needs to look authentic for Call of Duty and its setting." The decision was a direct response to feedback that Call of Duty needed to return to its military roots, getting rid of bundles with characters like Beavis and Butt-Head and American Dad.

The twist came from Treyarch, who announced in a social media post that some skins rewards from the four main Zombies challenges in Black Ops 6 would be available at the launch of Black Ops 7. The Operator skin for Samuels from the New Orders Prestige Level 1000 and the Guild Override camouflage will also be transferred to those who pre-order digitally. This decision, a U-turn on Activision's U-turn, was seen as a victory for Zombies mode fans.

The controversy, however, continues. Frustrated players argue that Activision excluded all content from BO6 "just because of some cartoon skins," suggesting that only "over-the-top" content should have been banned from transfer. Redditor Courtneyvictory said, "it seems like Treyarch can't make up their minds, or maybe different people are fighting each other about the game's direction internally." Activision's decision also aligns with EA's strategy for Battlefield 6. The game's design director, Shashank Uchil, said in an interview with DBLTAP that DICE is focused on a "more grounded style" and that Battlefield 6 "doesn't need Nicki Minaj," a direct and public criticism of Call of Duty.

The confusion over the fate of Black Ops 6's cosmetics for Black Ops 7 shows a lack of clear direction. Activision, in its attempt to please one part of the community, ended up alienating another and creating a public relations problem.