Activision's recent promotion of a new Squid Game-themed store bundle has ignited a firestorm of criticism from the Call of Duty community. The tweet, boasting over 2 million views and thousands of angry replies, highlights a growing disconnect between Activision and its player base. The company's focus on monetization, rather than addressing critical in-game problems, has pushed many players to the brink.
Both Warzone and Black Ops 6 are plagued by severe cheating issues in their Ranked Play modes, a problem that remains unresolved despite player outcry. These issues, coupled with persistent server problems and other game-breaking bugs, have led to a significant drop in player numbers on Steam, with over 47% of Black Ops 6 players abandoning the platform since its October 2024 release. Even prominent players like Scump have voiced their concern, stating the franchise is in its worst state ever.
Activision's Tone-Deaf Tweet
The January 8th tweet promoting the new Squid Game VIP bundle is seen as particularly insensitive. While Black Ops 6 initially received positive reviews, the ongoing technical difficulties and rampant cheating have overshadowed the game's initial success. The community's response has been swift and scathing, with many echoing the sentiment that Activision needs to "read the room."
Player Reactions and Consequences
Influencers like FaZe Swagg have publicly called out Activision's priorities, while others, such as CharlieIntel, highlight the absurdity of prioritizing new bundles over fixing a broken Ranked Play system. Players are expressing their frustration through boycotts, vowing to abstain from purchasing any further store bundles until the anti-cheat measures are significantly improved. The declining player count on Steam suggests that many are taking this stance seriously, and the impact on other platforms remains to be seen.
The situation underscores a growing concern within the Call of Duty community: is Activision prioritizing profit over player experience? The overwhelmingly negative response to the recent tweet suggests a resounding "yes," and the future of the franchise may depend on Activision's ability to address these critical issues.