Just hours after its global release on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is facing a storm of criticism. While the game serves as a direct sequel to last year’s Black Ops 6, it revisits the storyline established in 2012’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, following a squad led by David Mason in the aftermath of that game’s pivotal events. However, many players are finding the return to familiar territory deeply unsatisfying.

Campaign Criticism Reaches Fever Pitch

The discontent surrounding the campaign is particularly acute. Prominent Call of Duty leaker ModernWarzone took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their dismay, stating, “Just finished the Black Ops 7 campaign solo in four hours and 30 minutes of playtime. I can confidently say that is one of, if not the WORST, Call of Duty campaign I’ve ever played in my life.” The leaker went on to award the campaign a dismal 3/10 rating, claiming it was inferior to both Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops 3.

Adding fuel to the fire, numerous players have reported frustrating gameplay quirks. The campaign requires a constant internet connection, even for solo play, and lacks adequate checkpointing, forcing players to replay entire missions after a single failure. One user on X lamented, “If you choose a specific mission, there’s no save point. If you close the game, you have to start over, so you’re forced to play the mission all the way through.”

Beyond the technical issues and frustrating design choices, some players have voiced concerns about the campaign’s narrative direction. One user described the experience as a “four hour Far Cry drug trip,” suggesting a disjointed and surreal storyline that fails to capture the intensity and intrigue of previous Black Ops titles.

The Rise of AI-Generated Assets: A Growing Concern?

The criticism isn’t limited to the campaign. Players have also noticed the increased use of AI-generated artwork, particularly in multiplayer calling cards and prestige icons. While Activision has previously employed generative AI for similar assets, the extent of its use in Black Ops 7 has sparked debate. The company has been transparent about this practice, stating on the Steam page that the team utilized “generative AI tools to help develop some in-game assets.”

However, many fans view this as a troubling trend, arguing that it represents a decline in artistic quality and a prioritization of cost-cutting over creative effort. The use of AI raises questions about the future of artistic roles within the gaming industry and the potential for homogenization of visual styles.

What do you think about the increasing use of AI in game development? Is it a necessary evolution, or a step too far?

Activision did not provide GameCentral with a review copy of Black Ops 7, and a full review will be published next week. Currently, Metacritic shows a limited number of scored reviews, reflecting the recent release date.

Frequently Asked Questions About Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

• What is the main criticism of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 campaign?

  The primary complaint is its short length, disappointing narrative, and frustrating lack of checkpoints, leading many to call it one of the worst campaigns in the series.

• Does Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 require an internet connection to play the campaign?

  Yes, even for solo play, Black Ops 7 requires a constant internet connection, which has frustrated many players.

• What role does AI play in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7?

  Activision has confirmed the use of generative AI tools to create some in-game assets, such as multiplayer calling cards and prestige icons.

• Is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 a direct sequel to Black Ops 6?

  While it’s a follow-up to Black Ops 6, the campaign is actually a narrative sequel to the 2012 title, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.

• Where can I find more information about Call of Duty: Black Ops 7?

  You can find more details on the official Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3606480/Call_of_Duty_Black_Ops_7/