In late January, a video surfaced online showing hackers using a tool to remove players from matches in the Black Ops 6 multiplayer beta. Activision responded, stating that the video was from the beta phase and the vulnerability had been addressed before the game's official release in November. They emphasized that the video does not represent the game's current state, as the team continuously investigates such issues.
However, some players argue that Activision is not being truthful, pointing to evidence of hackers still using the utility. A video was shared showing the tool in action during a match on the Nuketown map, which was introduced to Black Ops 6 a week after its launch.
Despite these controversies, Black Ops 6 was the top-selling game in the US last year, according to Circana analysts. Remarkably, the Call of Duty franchise has held the top spot in the United States for 16 consecutive years. In contrast, EA Sports College Football 25, released on consoles in July, became the most played sports game in the country.
In 2024, U.S. gamers' overall spending saw a 1.1% decline year over year, attributed by Circana to reduced hardware demand. However, spending on add-ons and services increased by 2% and 6%, respectively. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate the second season of Black Ops 6 and Warzone 2, set to launch on January 28 with a ninja theme and a crossover with the "Terminator" universe.
