The Success of Consecutive Call of Duty Black Ops Games Hinges on a Single Mode

It seems like just the other day when Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 hit the shelves, yet the buzz surrounding the next game in this beloved series is already starting to build. Despite Activision and the franchise’s usual developers keeping mum, rumors are swirling about the potential 2025 release being another Black Ops title, supposedly a direct sequel to Black Ops 2.

The release of 2022’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 followed closely by 2023’s Modern Warfare 3 marked a first for the series. Unfortunately, this back-to-back tactic didn’t sit well with everyone, and if Activision plans a similar approach with Black Ops 6 and whatever’s next for 2025, they’ll need to dodge a significant critique that plagued Modern Warfare 3.

### Call of Duty 2025 Might Live or Die By Its Campaign

#### Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Campaign Was Heavily Criticized

For years, Call of Duty campaigns have been the go-to for pulse-pounding, cinematic experiences. Modern Warfare 3, however, failed to live up to its predecessors. Fans felt let down with a campaign that could be rushed through in just three hours, even on the tougher settings. Critical action-packed scenes felt sparse, and its new Open Combat Missions came across as anything but groundbreaking. To top it off, the game wrapped up with a cliffhanger that might stay unresolved for ages, if ever.

#### Call of Duty 2025 Needs to Deliver a Good Campaign

Following the lackluster reception of Modern Warfare 3’s storyline, Black Ops 6 arrived with a much-needed reset. Its campaign heralded a triumphant return packed with adrenaline-pumping set pieces, unforgettable characters, and those classic Black Ops narrative twists. With MW3 setting a rather low benchmark, Black Ops 6 soared higher than many anticipated. The anticipation is sky-high for Call of Duty 2025’s campaign, which simply can’t afford a misstep like its predecessor did.

#### Call of Duty 2025 Might Not Need to Work as Hard for Its Other Game Modes

Typically, Call of Duty’s multiplayer and Zombies modes are where fans scrutinize most closely ahead of each release. However, Black Ops 6 set a strong precedent in both realms with its cutting-edge Omnimovement system and the much-awaited return of traditional round-based Zombies. Call of Duty 2025’s task is seemingly more straightforward; it simply needs to build on these solid foundations. By adding fresh multiplayer maps and Zombies stages loaded with Easter eggs and the celebrated Wonder Weapons, it could maintain its winning streak. Of course, this is easier said than done, but the challenge might not be as daunting as a complete overhaul this time.

Set in the turbulent early ’90s, Black Ops 6 sits at the crossroads of history — the Cold War’s conclusion and the USA’s rise as the lone superpower. Developed by Treyarch and Raven, this iteration embraces the era with a thrilling spy narrative that defies expectations. The game presents players with explosive set pieces, high-stakes heists, and secretive spy missions that keep the energy levels cranked up. On the multiplayer front, 16 brand new maps are available right out of the gate, catering to both core players and fans of the epic Zombies mode.

So, with October 25, 2024, marked on calendars, gamers eagerly await to see if Call of Duty 2025 will continue to raise the bar for this legendary franchise.