After Battlefield 6’s Multiplayer Blowout, It’s Clear Why Call of Duty Was Afraid

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Despite the fact that “Call of Duty” dominates the first-person shooter genre, it frequently faces challenges from games aiming to usurp its throne. Notably, the main contender in this race is the “Battlefield” franchise by EA and DICE. The upcoming “Battlefield 6”, set for release in October, promises nine maps at launch, eight distinct game modes, and eventually a revamped version of the Firestorm battle royale mode from “BF5”. Fans of “Battlefield” are ecstatic because it appears that DICE has taken on board feedback following the rocky launch of “2042”. The return of classes, emphasis on immersion in a contemporary setting, and improved destruction are all areas where DICE is receiving praise. However, whispers suggest that those behind “Call of Duty” are concerned. And after the multiplayer reveal of “Battlefield 6”, it’s easy to understand their apprehension.

Call of Duty’s Concern Likely Stems From These Key Areas

It might appear unexpected to learn that a powerhouse like Call of Duty feels apprehensive about an impending shooter game, but this information originates from the reliable leaker @TheGhostofHope, who has demonstrated a strong track record with their previous Call of Duty disclosures. The day preceding Battlefield 6’s significant multiplayer event, Hope hinted that DICE’s latest creation had left “Call of Duty feeling uneasy for the first time.” Given what was presented during the event, it’s not hard to see why Call of Duty might be anxious, as a renewed rivalry between the two franchises may be on the horizon.

Despite some minor issues that require attention, such as the pace at which parachutes move, the way grenades are thrown, and certain weapon sounds, the impressive features demonstrated for Battlefield 6 make it a plausible competitor to the upcoming Black Ops 7. These include:

  • Faster-paced gunplay shown off by content creators known for Call of Duty content, such as MrRoflWaffles and TimTheTatman.
  • An upcoming Battlefield battle royale mode that can compete directly with Call of Duty: Warzone (though Hope mentioned that this was not the thing that has CoD sweating in a separate post)
  • The new version of Battlefield Portal, which is essentially a map editor like Halo’s Forge, is something that can provide access to an endless amount of content.
  • Infantry-only maps at launch. Though vehicles are still key to BF6 and will be present on a majority of maps, those looking for boots-on-the-ground gunplay only will have options. Small modes like Squad Deathmatch and Domination will also appeal to CoD fans.
  • A current-gen only game that makes full use of modern hardware, which Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will not be able to do since it’s a cross-gen title.
  • An October release date, meaning Battlefield 6 will likely debut weeks before Black Ops 7. If fans are happy with the game, they may not see the need to buy the next CoD.

Among these aspects, a crucial one to bear in mind is the fact that Battlefield 6 is reportedly leading Call of Duty in terms of multiplayer map editing. This feature has long been desired by fans, particularly following the impressive custom maps created by the PC-based Call of Duty Zombies community. Regrettably, despite numerous petitions, this functionality remains absent. It’s also significant to mention that at the event were many prominent creators – even popular Call of Duty YouTubers and Twitch streamers – as DICE and EA aimed to show disillusioned Call of Duty fans their favorite personalities enjoying the competition.

Going beyond these points, it’s worth noting that Battlefield 6 stands in stark contrast to the excessively flashy skins seen in Call of Duty’s recent releases. Instead, for the time being, all cosmetics will have a military simulation (mil-sim) aesthetic. This decision is likely to be appreciated by players who tire of battling cartoonish characters like Beavis and Butthead or Nicki Minaj while playing first-person shooters (FPS). It seems that Call of Duty players who dislike vibrant character skins have been growing more vocal in recent times, and by emphasizing immersion and realism, Battlefield is effectively catering to this demographic.

In essence, the impressive features of Battlefield 6, including its impressive destruction and graphics, are giving Call of Duty a run for its money by delivering what disgruntled CoD fans have longed for – more controlled movement and realistic soldier appearances. This could potentially force Call of Duty to reconsider its strategy, leading to the addition of requested features such as a mil-sim skin toggle or a map editor, or perhaps continuing down its current path, allowing Battlefield to attract players who are growing weary of the modern CoD model. It’s not hard to believe that Call of Duty is concerned about Battlefield 6, given how well it aligns with the desires of dedicated Battlefield fans and former CoD players alike.

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2025-08-02 00:50