A recent update from Activision tackles ongoing debates about Call of Duty‘s evolving identity, announcing that “Black Ops 7 will not support carry-forward functionality for Operators, skins, or weapons from Black Ops 6.”

While fan discussions about the franchise’s shift toward flashy cosmetics and crossover characters have persisted for years, Activision’s statement arrives amid renewed competition. Titles like Battlefield 6, which emphasizes tactical realism, have demonstrated significant player demand for a back-to-basics approach. This appears to have prompted Call of Duty’s renewed focus on its core identity.

Activision’s blog emphasizes a return to fundamentals: “We’ve heard your concerns that the series has strayed from its immersive, gritty military roots. This feedback guides our vision for Black Ops 7.” The post positions the upcoming title as a homage to Black Ops 2, widely regarded as a franchise high point, while promising “bold innovations” to modernize the experience.

By resetting cosmetic progression, Treyarch and Raven aim to ensure Black Ops 7 carves its own path. The decision isolates the game’s aesthetic from its predecessor, though Warzone remains unaffected. Players can still deploy Black Ops 6 content in the battle royale mode, preserving its status as a crossover hub.

Upcoming events like September’s Call of Duty NEXT will showcase multiplayer details ahead of the beta launch. While Activision’s commitment to reinvigorating the franchise’s identity resonates with some, skeptics await concrete evidence—such as reduced emphasis on whimsical skins—to confirm this shift. The absence of explicit promises regarding future collaborations leaves room for doubt, suggesting that Warzone may remain the primary arena for eclectic operator choices.