Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has received its biggest discount to date. Just a month after launch, the game is already on sale at many major retailers for as low as $39.99. That’s a massive discount for a game that cost $70 just 30 days ago, let alone one bearing the Call of Duty name.
It’s the latest sign of lackluster sales for the flagship shooter franchise, which for years ranked among the industry’s best-selling titles. While Activision has not shared official stats, the publisher's actions have signaled that Black Ops 7 is struggling to sell.
Just last week, Activision announced that it will no longer do back-to-back releases of Modern Warfare and Black Ops games. Although they didn't delve into specifics, they explained, "The reasons are many, but the main one is to ensure we provide an absolutely unique experience each and every year."
Additionally, the publisher kicked off a free-to-play weekend for Black Ops 7's Multiplayer and Zombies. The publisher is likely hoping the free-to-play weekend coupled with a massive sale could convince holdouts to buy into this year's game, but it may be too little too late.
If you are interested though, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is currently cheapest at Best Buy where you can get it for just $39.99, a $30 savings from its regular price. GameStop had advertised a $35 price, but I'm currently seeing it for $45. It's also $49.99 at Target.
This is the lowest price we've seen Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 sell for to date. Even during Black Friday, the Cross-Gen Bundle was available for $59.99, 15% off its regular price.
I've been covering the gaming industry for over a decade now and I can't remember a time I've seen such a massive discount on a new Call of Duty title happen so quickly. The game usually retains its value until after the holiday shopping season, so to see it 30% off already is a massive shocker.
The writing has been on the wall for Black Ops 7's struggles. We sensed something was wrong when the publisher failed to mention record-breaking numbers shortly after the game's launch. Rather, Activision praised the "great response" by fans for the "quality and depth of gameplay" in Black Ops 7.
Of course, the studio's more recent community message paints a much different light.
"Call of Duty has enjoyed long-standing success because of all of you, a passionate community that demands excellence and deserves nothing less," the developer said. "We also know that for some of you, the Franchise has not met your expectations fully. To be very clear, we know what you expect and rest assured we will deliver, and overdeliver, on those expectations as we move forward."