With both a new installment in the Call of Duty: Black Ops series (reportedly titled “Black Ops 7”) and the latest Battlefield game (referred to here as Battlefield 6) slated for release in 2025, the FPS landscape is heating up. Miles Leslie, associate creative director for Black Ops 7, recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming competition. In an interview with IGN, Leslie revealed he’s had the chance to experience the Battlefield 6 open beta. His assessment? “It’s a fun game.” However, he emphasized that the Activision team remains firmly focused on delivering the best possible experience within their own franchise.
“We appreciate games across the board and find inspiration in various places. However, our primary focus is perfecting our own creation. They’re on their path,” Leslie stated. “Our belief is that if we achieve our objectives, we’ll provide fans with the gaming experience they desire. That’s the core principle – if we enjoy it during playtesting, we’re confident that our fans will also enjoy it.”
Leslie concluded, “We are enthusiasts of the first-person shooter genre, and video games in general. Let’s all enjoy the experience.”
Addressing criticisms regarding the perceived lack of innovation in annual Call of Duty releases, Leslie offered a straightforward perspective: “We don’t dwell on it.” He explained that the development team prioritizes executing their creative vision and crafting a fun, engaging product for players.
“Inevitably, there will always be negativity and unfounded criticism. We actively seek constructive feedback, but we disregard the rest. It’s simply noise. Our approach is to filter out the negativity and remain committed to our plan,” he elaborated.
In related news, former Xbox leader Mike Ybarra commented recently that Battlefield 6 would easily overshadow Black Ops 7. He stated, “The real benefit here is that CoD will no longer be complacent, and ultimately, we’ll all benefit from better FPS games.”
Despite Ybarra’s strong assertion, industry analysts predict that Black Ops 7 will likely outsell Battlefield 6. A key factor is the large casual player base that consistently purchases the latest Call of Duty title each year, even when expressing concerns about limited innovation. Addressing Ybarra’s statement specifically, one research group suggested he should “cool down” and adopt a more analytical approach.
The release dates are set: Battlefield 6 is expected on October 10th, while Black Ops 7 is slated to launch on November 14th.