Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launched with immense excitement and high expectations, promising a fresh start for Treyarch and the franchise. While the game initially delivered on its promise with fan-favorite features, modes, and weapons, recent trends paint a concerning picture.
According to SteamCharts, Black Ops 6 has suffered a substantial 47% player base decrease since its October launch. The average player count on Steam's Call of Duty launcher has fallen from around 160,000 in November 2024 to approximately 87,000 in recent times. This decline is significantly steeper than that of Modern Warfare 3, which saw a 6% drop from its peak of 103,126 players in November 2023 to 89,000.
Several issues have plagued Black Ops 6, particularly within its multiplayer component. A persistent problem with cheaters and hackers has rendered ranked mode practically unplayable for many seeking legitimate progression. Further controversy arose from accusations of developers utilizing artificial intelligence to incentivize spending on in-game items, such as cosmetic enhancements for loading screens.
While the direct impact of these issues on the declining player base remains unclear, the loss of players is undeniable as the game enters 2025. Despite these challenges, the future holds potential for Black Ops 6, with new content planned throughout the year. Upcoming additions include new multiplayer maps and modes, and a new Zombies map rumored to connect with the classic Origins map from Black Ops 2. Season 1 concludes later this month, with Season 2 poised to begin shortly.
