Activision's recent Call of Duty promotional tweet ignites player fury. The tweet, promoting a new Squid Game-themed store bundle, has garnered over 2 million views and a torrent of negative responses. This backlash stems from widespread frustration over unresolved issues plaguing both Warzone and Black Ops 6.
The core complaint centers on Activision's perceived prioritization of in-game purchases over addressing critical gameplay problems. Both titles are suffering from rampant cheating in Ranked Play, persistent server instability, and other game-breaking bugs. Prominent players, including Scump, have publicly voiced their concern, stating the franchise is in its worst state ever.
Activision's Tone-Deaf Tweet
The January 8th tweet, promoting a Squid Game VIP bundle, is seen as profoundly insensitive given the current climate. The community's response was swift and scathing. Content creators like FaZe Swagg and news outlets such as CharlieIntel joined the chorus of criticism, highlighting the broken state of Ranked Play and the apparent disregard for player concerns. Many players, like Twitter user Taeskii, are boycotting store purchases until the anti-cheat measures are improved.
Player Exodus on Steam
The negative sentiment is translating into tangible consequences. Since Black Ops 6's October 2024 release, Steam player counts have plummeted dramatically. Over 47% of players have abandoned the game on this platform alone, a significant drop likely attributed to the persistent issues. While data for other platforms (PlayStation and Xbox) remains unavailable, the Steam statistics paint a concerning picture of the game's declining popularity. The combination of persistent issues and Activision's perceived lack of responsiveness is driving players away.