Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has become a game of two halves, blending a serious single-player campaign with a chaotic multiplayer experience filled with wild cosmetics, microtransactions, and crossovers. Players obtain cod bo6 buy bot lobby from U4gm to unlock weapon camos or upgrade their guns. Use coupon code "allen" to get 5% off at U4gm. While the series has never shied away from embracing eccentric collaborations, Black Ops 6 has taken things to a new extreme, much to the dismay of some longtime fans. Recent additions, such as King Kong and Homelander skins, alongside operator packs featuring Donnie Darko and Snoop Dogg, have raised eyebrows.

The latest event in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone is a crossover with Netflix's Squid Game, which brings in cosmetics and modes inspired by the iconic show. Teased in late 2024 to coincide with the release of Squid Game season two, this event, which runs until January 24, has drawn significant criticism due to its monetization strategy.

The Squid Game Event Pass: Free vs. Paid

The Squid Game event includes a free battle pass, allowing players to unlock skins, emblems, calling cards, and more. However, players can only earn these rewards until the event concludes. While free battle passes have become a norm in live service games, Black Ops 6 has introduced a paid second battle pass for this event. This premium pass costs 1,100 CoD Points ($10 USD) and includes exclusive cosmetics like the Front Man operator bundle, which cannot be obtained through the free pass.

This addition has sparked frustration among players, who are already upset by the abundance of microtransactions and expensive cosmetics in the game. Many argue that introducing a paid battle pass in a $70 game feels exploitative, especially without offering any discounts for players who purchased the base game or its premium editions.

Backlash and Declining Player Count

Despite a strong launch, Black Ops 6 has seen a significant decline in player numbers. According to Steam Charts, the game lost about 72,000 average players in December 2024, and the trend continued into early 2025. This drop-off is partly due to the controversial Squid Game event, but also stems from wider issues with the game’s monetization and gameplay. Players have expressed dissatisfaction with the game’s microtransactions, the lack of meaningful gameplay improvements, and an ongoing problem with hackers. Although the game’s anti-cheat system is being improved, many players feel that Activision has been too focused on adding microtransactions rather than addressing critical gameplay issues.

The Impact of Monetization

Monetization remains a hot topic within the Call of Duty community. Many feel that the game’s microtransactions are increasingly intrusive and exploitative, particularly for a game that already requires a significant upfront cost. With frequent paid content and the push for limited-time event passes, Black Ops 6 risks alienating its player base, which is crucial for long-term success.

The introduction of a paid battle pass in the Squid Game event has only exacerbated these concerns. Despite offering free rewards, the premium pass locks many cosmetics behind a paywall, intensifying player frustration. While the event could have attracted players to the game, it seems to have done the opposite, contributing to the game’s declining player count.

What Needs to Change?

To recover its player base, Black Ops 6 needs to address its major concerns. Reducing the emphasis on monetization and focusing more on improving gameplay could help regain trust. While it’s natural for games to lose players after an initial surge, the sharp decline in Black Ops 6’s player count suggests that the game has deeper issues that need addressing. If Activision wants to salvage the game's reputation and retain its audience, it will need to rethink its approach to microtransactions and focus on providing a more balanced and enjoyable gaming experience for all players.