Call of Duty Faces Backlash for Prioritizing Store Bundles Over Game Issues

Activision's recent promotion of a new store bundle amidst widespread game issues has ignited a firestorm of criticism within the Call of Duty community. A tweet promoting a Call of Duty x Squid Game collaboration, featuring a VIP bundle, garnered over 2 million views and thousands of angry responses, accusing Activision of being tone-deaf.

Both Warzone and Black Ops 6 are plagued by significant problems, including rampant cheating in Ranked Play, persistent server instability, and other game-breaking bugs. This promotional push, prioritizing new in-game purchases over addressing these critical flaws, has pushed many players to the breaking point.

The outrage follows a sharp decline in Black Ops 6's player base since its October 25, 2024 release. While initially well-received, the game's popularity has plummeted in recent weeks. Even professional players, like Scump, have voiced their concerns, stating the franchise is in its worst state ever.

Activision's Tweet Fuels the Flames

The January 8th tweet promoting the Squid Game VIP bundle became a focal point for player frustration. Influencers and players alike joined the chorus of criticism. FaZe Swagg urged Activision to "read the room," while CharlieIntel highlighted the broken state of Ranked Play, noting the absurdity of prioritizing bundles over fixing gameplay. Many players, like Taeskii, vowed to boycott store bundles until the anti-cheat measures are improved.

The negative sentiment extends beyond online comments. Steam statistics reveal a dramatic 47% drop in Black Ops 6 players since launch, a clear indication of player dissatisfaction. While console player numbers remain unknown, the Steam data strongly suggests widespread player exodus due to persistent hacking and server problems. The future of Call of Duty hangs in the balance as the community demands action over empty promises.