A new age rating from the ESRB forCall of Duty: Black Ops 7has hinted at the controversial “Carry Forward” feature returning, which would once again allow players to transfer their cosmetic items from oneCall of Dutyto another. With twoBlack Opsgames releasing back-to-back, Activision allowing players to carry forward their purchased items doesn’t come as much of a surprise, but someCall of Duty: Black Ops 6players are already protesting against the feature.
In mid-2023, prior to the launch ofModern Warfare 3, Call of Dutypublisher Activision announced that it would be implementing a new Carry Forward feature that would allow players to bring their cosmetic items, such as weapon blueprints and operator skins, from 2022’sModern Warfare 2into its successor. The feature didnot stick around for the release ofBlack Ops 6in 2024, which meant all purchased bundles were tied toModern Warfare 3. But withBlack Ops 7now on the horizon, fans are eager to know if Activision intends to bring the feature back and continue allowing unrealistic operator skins to take overCall of Duty.
Earlier today, the ESRB released itsofficial age rating forCall of Duty: Black Ops 7. To the surprise of nobody, the next entry in the series will once again be rated M for mature. However, the description that accompanied the rating gave fans a brief glimpse into whatBlack Ops 7will be like, referencing some gruesome hallucinations, the return of executions, and more. But fans were quick to note that one part of the description specifically mentions how players can inhale marijuna from a bong-like structure attached to a rifle, which is a finishing move currently available inBlack Ops 6. UnlessBlack Ops 7has a similar finishing move available at launch, the ESRB rating seemingly confirms that Activision will allow players to carry forward their cosmetic items into this year’s entry.
Call of Duty Fans Unhappy With Carry Forward Return
Call of Dutyfans appear to be divided over the potential return of Carry Forward, with some arguing thatBlack Ops 6’s unrealistic skinshave become too outlandish to bring intoBlack Ops 7, and others arguing that it is consumer friendly to allow purchases to carry forward into the next title. Twitter userNatesaid, “Carry forward should only be forWarzone,” but not everyone seems to agree. “If I paid for skins, content, heck yeah I want it to carry forward. I don’t understand what I’m missing here,” Twitter userHovysaid.
While it is incredibly consumer friendly to allow players to continue using their purchased items in a completely separate game, fans are tired of seeing cartoon operator skins and wild weapon blueprints in what is supposed to be a realistic shooter. With Carry Forward seemingly returning, fans have once again lost all hope that Activision will be return the series to its roots.
Earlier this year, a rumor from a credible industry insider claimed that Activision wasreevaluating its approach toCall of Dutyskins. According to the leaker, the studio has heard the criticism from players that the shooter is beginning to look “stupid,” due to collaborations with the likes ofSquid Game,The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more. It was said that the publisher was considering toning down the unrealistic skins but was also battling with the idea because the crossovers are “printing money” for the studio.
