Black Ops 7 Cuts Carryover Skins in Bid to Restore Call of Duty’s Identity

Activision has publicly responded to growing concerns that Call of Duty is suffering from an identity crisis, confirming that skins and weapons from Black Ops 6 will not carry over into Black Ops 7. The move is meant to give the new entry its own distinct feel, but it also signals an attempt to win back players who feel the franchise has drifted too far from its roots.

In a blog post, Activision admitted that some fans believe Call of Duty has lost what made it special – being grounded, visceral, and immersive.

The publisher emphasized that Treyarch and Raven have treated Black Ops 7 as a spiritual successor to Black Ops 2, one of the most celebrated entries in the series. By cutting content carryover, Activision says the goal is to make Black Ops 7 feel authentic to its Cold War-era setting rather than an extension of past games.

The decision follows years of criticism that Call of Duty began resembling Fortnite, stuffing in celebrity cameos and wild cosmetic crossovers that many argue clash with the franchise’s military realism. With Battlefield reclaiming a slice of the audience by doubling down on serious, large-scale combat, Activision appears eager to remind fans that Call of Duty has not forgotten its core identity.

Importantly, Warzone won’t be affected by this change – it will remain the series’ crossover playground where players can continue to use their Black Ops 6 operators, skins, and weapons. But for traditional multiplayer, Black Ops 7 is being framed as a reset, prioritizing atmosphere and authenticity over pop culture spectacle.

Still, questions remain. Activision hasn’t promised to stop adding celebrity skins or fantastical collaborations in the future. Fans skeptical about the series’ direction won’t be convinced by promises alone – it will take the actual multiplayer reveal at Call of Duty NEXT on September 30 and the following beta to see if Black Ops 7 really lives up to the rhetoric.