Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is already facing backlash from the gaming community, even before the much-anticipated Squid Game collaboration event has officially begun. The controversy stems from the introduction of a new microtransaction system called the Event Pass, which will function similarly to systems seen in other free-to-play titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends. The Event Pass will provide players with a variety of in-game rewards but will be locked behind additional payments, alongside the existing paid Battle Pass and numerous cosmetic skins, all while the game itself carries a standard $69.99 price tag.
The announcement of the Event Pass sparked heated discussions on Reddit, with fans criticizing the increasing monetization of the game. Many pointed out the contradiction of paying for an already expensive game and then being asked to pay more for in-game rewards. One user voiced the frustration, stating, "Monetizing an event that is itself an advertisement" and calling for the game to shift to a free-to-play model. Another user echoed these sentiments, claiming that the $70 price tag already felt like paying for the privilege of spending more on microtransactions. These voices reflect a growing sentiment in the community that Call of Duty is moving too far away from its roots as a premium game experience and into a "storefront" for digital goods.
While the free-to-play Warzone mode of Call of Duty offers the opportunity to purchase microtransactions, the core multiplayer, Zombies, and Campaign modes are still locked behind a paywall. This pricing model stands in contrast to other free-to-play games, where players can access the core content for free and are only asked to pay for cosmetic items and event passes. As Black Ops 6 continues to introduce new ways to monetize, many players are questioning the value of the base game.
The controversy surrounding the Event Pass is not the first time Black Ops 6 has sparked outrage. Prior to launch, there were complaints about the absence of "carry forward" skins, followed by the introduction of high-priced items like weapon camos tied to a $350 prop gun replica. Other items, such as the "Unicorn Fart" finishing move and various skins with flashy visual effects, have contributed to growing concerns that the game is becoming "pay-to-win."
As the Squid Game event nears its January 3 release date, more details are expected to emerge. However, with the game already facing significant criticism for its monetization practices, it remains unclear whether this new collaboration will help address or exacerbate the community’s growing frustrations. U4gm offers boosting services best cod bo6 to help players improve their skills. Use coupon code "allen" to get 5% off at U4gm.
The backlash around Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 serves as a reminder of the increasing tension between the traditional premium game model and the growing trend of live-service, monetized experiences. Whether the game can strike a balance that satisfies both its business model and its players remains to be seen.
