Black Ops 6's TMNT Crossover Sparks Player Outrage Over Pricing

Activision's latest Black Ops 6 crossover event, featuring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) as part of Season 2 Reloaded, has ignited a firestorm of criticism from players due to exorbitant skin prices.

The individual TMNT character skins (Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello) are priced at $20 each, while Master Splinter costs $10 via the premium Battle Pass. Acquiring the entire set, plus a $10 TMNT-themed weapon blueprint, totals a staggering $100. This pricing model has drawn sharp comparisons to free-to-play titles like Fortnite, where similar bundles are significantly cheaper. Reddit user neverclaimsurv commented, "That is INSANE...In Fortnite I think I paid $25.00 for all 4 turtles, and that’s a free game."

Further fueling player discontent is the fact that Black Ops 6 is a full-priced game ($69.99), making the additional cost for cosmetic items feel particularly egregious. Concerns are also raised about the limited lifespan of these skins; they are unlikely to carry over to future Black Ops installments, leaving players with a costly, temporary purchase. Reddit user SellMeYourSirin highlighted the issue of "a full price game (that’s likely gonna be replaced within the next year) has THREE tiers of battle passes."

Despite the backlash, Black Ops 6 remains a top-grossing title, suggesting Activision's monetization strategy is proving profitable. However, the overwhelmingly negative player feedback, reflected in the game's "Mixed" Steam rating (47% positive), indicates potential for future change. The negative reviews cite not only the expensive cosmetics but also persistent technical issues, including game crashes and rampant hacking in multiplayer.

Adding to the controversy is the increasing use of AI within the game's development, leading some players to ironically use AI-generated reviews to express their disapproval. Steam user Rundur's comment, "Since Activision can't be bothered hiring real people anymore, I've decided to take advantage of AI myself and ask ChatGPT to write this negative review for me. Enjoy," perfectly encapsulates the sentiment.

While Activision's reliance on costly battle passes continues to generate revenue, the mounting player frustration suggests that the company may need to reconsider its monetization approach to avoid further alienating its fanbase.