Activision's latest Call of Duty promotional tweet ignites player fury. The tweet, promoting a new Squid Game-themed store bundle, has garnered over 2 million views and a torrent of angry responses. This backlash comes amidst widespread reports of game-breaking issues plaguing both Warzone and Black Ops 6, including rampant cheating in Ranked Play.

The controversy highlights a disconnect between Activision's marketing and the current state of the game. While Black Ops 6 initially received positive reviews, recent weeks have seen a dramatic decline in player satisfaction. Even professional players like Scump have voiced concerns, stating the franchise is in its worst condition yet. These issues, encompassing hacking, server problems, and more, are fueling the community's discontent.

Activision's Tone-Deaf Tweet

The January 8th tweet, promoting a Squid Game VIP bundle, is seen by many as profoundly tone-deaf. With Warzone and Black Ops 6 struggling with significant problems, players feel Activision should prioritize addressing these issues rather than promoting microtransactions.

The criticism is widespread. Influencers like FaZe Swagg urged Activision to "read the room," echoing sentiments from other prominent figures and countless players. Reports highlight the severity of the situation; CharlieIntel points out the near-unplayability of Ranked Play due to cheating, while player Taeskii vows a boycott of store bundles until the anti-cheat system is improved.

Player Exodus?

The outrage extends beyond online criticism. Steam player counts for Black Ops 6 have plummeted since its October 2024 release, with a staggering 47% drop. While platform-specific data for PlayStation and Xbox is unavailable, the Steam numbers suggest a significant player exodus, likely linked to the persistent issues. The combination of cheating, server instability, and Activision's perceived lack of response is pushing many players away from the franchise.