Black Ops 7 will be the last time CoD releases games from the same sub-franchise back-to-back, Activision says

Destructoid
Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:45:05 +0000

Activision announced that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be the last game to release from the same sub-franchise in consecutive years. This decision aims to foster innovation and uniqueness in future titles. The company plans to focus on player feedback for seasonal updates and will host a free weekend for BO7 multiplayer and Zombies. The next title, rumored to be Modern Warfare 4, is expected in 2026, maintaining annual releases with alternating series.

2025-12-09 | Insider Gaming: Call of Duty Will no Longer Have Back-to-Back Releases of the Same Sub-Franchise

Activision has announced it will no longer release back-to-back titles from the Call of Duty subfranchises, such as Modern Warfare and Black Ops, acknowledging recent player dissatisfaction, particularly following a rough launch for Black Ops 7. Despite this, annual releases will continue, promising unique experiences each year. Activision expressed confidence in the franchise's future and the talent of its development teams, hinting at upcoming surprises.

2025-12-09 | PC Gamer: After Black Ops 7's weaker launch, Call of Duty will no longer do back-to-back releases in the same series

Activision announced that it will no longer release back-to-back Call of Duty games in the same series, following the weaker launch of Black Ops 7. The company cited player fatigue as a key reason for this decision, aiming to provide unique experiences each year. While they will continue to support Black Ops 7 with updates, the announcement reflects a desire to address past missteps and innovate meaningfully in future releases. Call of Duty 23 is currently planned for 2026.

2025-12-09 | GameSpot: Call Of Duty Will No Longer Do Back-To-Back Black Ops Or Modern Warfare Games

Activision announced a strategic shift for the Call of Duty series, stating it will no longer release back-to-back entries in the Black Ops or Modern Warfare sub-series. This decision follows the lukewarm reception of Black Ops 7, which currently holds a low score of 67 on Metacritic. Activision aims to provide unique experiences each year and promises meaningful innovation in the future. Black Ops 7 will continue to receive seasonal support, with a free trial for multiplayer and Zombies modes starting next week.

2025-12-09 | GamesRadar+: Activision makes big Call of Duty announcement: "We will no longer do back-to-back releases of Modern Warfare or Black Ops" mainly "to ensure we provide an absolutely unique experience each and every year"

Activision announced a significant change in the Call of Duty franchise, stating it will no longer release back-to-back titles for Modern Warfare or Black Ops. This decision follows the poor reception of Black Ops 7, which has received mostly negative reviews. To address this, Activision plans a free trial and double XP weekend, along with unprecedented seasonal support. The company aims to ensure each release offers a unique experience and will share more details in the future.

2025-12-09 | Pure Xbox: Xbox & Activision Issue Statement On The Future Of Call Of Duty Following Black Ops 7 Backlash

Following the disappointing launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Activision announced it will no longer release back-to-back Black Ops or Modern Warfare games to ensure unique experiences each year. They will offer a free trial of Black Ops 7 Multiplayer and Zombies next week, and are committed to extensive seasonal support. The future of Call of Duty is deemed strong, with plans for innovation and a potential reboot by Infinity Ward in 2026.

2025-12-10 | IGN: Call of Duty Will No Longer Do Back-to-back Releases of Modern Warfare or Black Ops Games

Call of Duty will cease back-to-back releases of Modern Warfare and Black Ops games, following criticism and poor sales of Black Ops 7. The Call of Duty team acknowledged community feedback and plans to enhance future releases with unique experiences and meaningful innovation. They are also offering a free trial for Black Ops 7's multiplayer zombies mode to attract players. Recent entries have received mixed reviews, prompting this strategic shift.

2025-12-10 | The Verge: Call of Duty won’t release Modern Warfare or Black Ops back-to-back anymore

Activision announced that future Call of Duty releases will no longer feature back-to-back launches of Modern Warfare or Black Ops titles. This decision follows mixed reviews for Black Ops 7, which launched in November. Activision aims to provide unique experiences each year, emphasizing meaningful innovation. The company expressed confidence in the franchise's future and hinted at upcoming surprises. Additionally, Call of Duty faces competition from EA's Battlefield 6 and Arc Raiders.

2025-12-10 | Nintendo Life: Activision Shares Update On The Future Of The Call Of Duty Series

Activision has announced a strategic shift for the Call of Duty series, stating it will no longer release Modern Warfare or Black Ops games back-to-back. This decision aims to ensure each entry offers a unique experience and drives meaningful innovation. The update follows mixed fan reception of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Additionally, job listings indicate a focus on developing for Nintendo Switch, aligning with Microsoft's 10-year commitment to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo platforms.

2025-12-10 | Push Square: 'The Franchise Has Not Met Your Expectations': Call of Duty Vows to Overdeliver After Black Ops 7 Misfire

Activision has acknowledged that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has underperformed, with sales down 63% compared to Battlefield 6 in Europe. The company admitted the franchise has not met expectations and plans to offer a free weekend with double XP to boost engagement. Activision committed to ongoing support for the game and announced it will avoid back-to-back releases of Modern Warfare or Black Ops titles to ensure unique experiences. The future of the franchise is described as strong, with hints at upcoming innovations.

2025-12-10 | VGC: ‘Meaningful, not incremental’: Call of Duty will no longer release back-to-back Black Ops or Modern Warfare games

The Call of Duty team has announced a shift in their release strategy, stating they will no longer release back-to-back Black Ops or Modern Warfare games to ensure unique experiences each year. This decision follows player feedback regarding the recent Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which has received mixed reviews and lower launch sales. A free trial for Black Ops 7's Multiplayer and Zombies modes will be available next week to encourage player engagement.

2025-12-10 | Eurogamer: Call of Duty will no longer receive back-to-back Black Ops or Modern Warfare releases, as latest series entry fails to meet expectations

Activision has announced that the Call of Duty franchise will no longer have back-to-back releases for its Black Ops and Modern Warfare sub-franchises, following disappointing feedback and sales for Call of Duty Black Ops 7. The team is offering a free trial of the game's multiplayer zombies mode and committing to extensive seasonal support. They aim to provide unique experiences each year and are building the next era of Call of Duty, which they believe will meet player expectations.

2025-12-10 | Metro: Activision apologises for Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7 and promises more innovation

Activision has acknowledged the underperformance of Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7, promising to focus on meaningful innovation moving forward. The company will not release back-to-back Modern Warfare or Black Ops titles in the future. A free trial for Black Ops 7's multiplayer and Zombies modes is set for next week, and player feedback will influence future updates. The next Call Of Duty is rumored to be a sequel to Modern Warfare 3, featuring South Korea and North Korea.

2025-12-10 | Rock Paper Shotgun: Post-Black Ops 7, Call of Duty puts a bullet in releasing Modern Warfare or Black Ops entries back-to-back

Activision has announced that it will no longer release entries in the Call of Duty sub-series, such as Modern Warfare or Black Ops, in consecutive years. This decision follows the mixed reception of Call of Duty Black Ops 7. The company aims to provide unique experiences and meaningful innovation in future titles. Activision is committed to improving Black Ops 7 and plans to continue adding seasonal content while expressing optimism about the franchise's future.

2025-12-10 | PCGamesN: Following Black Ops 7 woes, Call of Duty finally sees sense and says no more back-to-back series releases

Activision has announced it will no longer release back-to-back Call of Duty titles, specifically Modern Warfare and Black Ops games, following the underwhelming performance of Black Ops 7. The company aims to provide unique experiences each year and acknowledges that the franchise has not fully met player expectations. Black Ops 7 will receive extensive post-launch support and will host a free trial and double XP event next week to attract players.

2025-12-10 | GamesRadar+: Despite predicting Battlefield 6 would "boot stomp" Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, ex-Microsoft exec is "rooting" for Activision "to come back with vengeance" after changes to CoD's release strategy

Mike Ybarra, a former Microsoft executive, expressed support for Activision's Call of Duty team, urging them to improve following a mixed reception for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Activision has committed to significant enhancements and announced that Black Ops and Modern Warfare titles will no longer release consecutively. Ybarra believes competition with Battlefield 6 will drive innovation and recovery for the franchise, emphasizing the talent of the development team.

2025-12-10 | TechRaptor: Call of Duty to End Back-to-Back Black Ops and Modern Warfare Releases

Activision has announced it will no longer release back-to-back Call of Duty games from the Modern Warfare and Black Ops sub-franchises, aiming to provide unique experiences each year. This decision follows mixed feedback on Black Ops 7, which launched in mid-November. To encourage player engagement, Activision will host a free weekend for Black Ops 7's multiplayer and Zombies modes. The company also plans to focus on meaningful innovation in future titles.

2025-12-10 | Game Developer: Call of Duty ditches back-to-back releases of Modern Warfare and Black Ops

The Call of Duty franchise will no longer release Modern Warfare and Black Ops titles back-to-back, following underwhelming performance of Black Ops 7. The team aims to enhance player experience and innovation, promising unprecedented seasonal support and a free trial for Black Ops 7. Additionally, U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna criticized the game's alleged use of AI-generated imagery, advocating for regulations to protect artists. Black Ops 7 currently holds a Mostly Negative rating on Steam.

2025-12-10 | Game Informer: Call Of Duty Will No Longer Release Back-To-Back Modern Warfare Or Black Ops Games

Activision announced that it will no longer release back-to-back titles in the Black Ops or Modern Warfare subseries of Call of Duty. This decision follows community feedback regarding the franchise's recent releases. The blog post emphasizes a commitment to delivering unique experiences and meaningful innovation. Upcoming plans include a free week of multiplayer and zombies for Black Ops 7, along with a Double XP weekend and enhanced seasonal support.