Call of Duty is reportedly making a controversial change to its battle pass system later this year. The shift is expected to impact the game’s limited-time modes (LTMs), a staple of the series in recent years.
While Call of Duty has regularly offered new content like maps and weapons for free, much of the game’s ongoing revenue now comes from skins and battle passes.
Historically, players could access free content and only pay for cosmetic items, but rumors suggest that upcoming LTMs in the next installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, will be locked behind the battle pass paywall.
This would make some of the new content, including special modes, only available to players who purchase the pass. These LTMs would come with “higher value” rewards and unique mechanics, making them even more appealing, but also more exclusive.
For many players, this represents a shift from the game’s previous model of free content. While cosmetic items and skins have always been part of the monetization strategy, paywalling content like limited-time modes is likely to frustrate fans who are used to having free access to all in-game activities.
The rumor comes from reliable Call of Duty leaker TheGhostofHope, but it’s important to note that this is still just a rumor and has not been confirmed by Activision. If the change is true, however, it could lead to significant backlash from the community.
Fans are already vocal about their dissatisfaction with the idea, and there’s a chance that Activision could adjust their plans based on fan feedback.