Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s first major event, a collaboration with the hit Netflix show Squid Game, is already causing significant controversy within the community before it’s even fully launched. Fans were shocked to learn that the upcoming event will introduce a new form of microtransaction: the Event Pass. This new system, similar to those in games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, promises a range of in-game rewards but comes at an additional cost on top of the game’s standard $69.99 price tag and the already-existing Battle Pass and skin purchases. Cod bo6 redeem cheap buy codes are bought from U4gm by players to exchange for various rewards, enabling them to compete effectively with others. Use coupon code "allen" to get 5% off at U4gm.
The introduction of the Event Pass has stirred up heated discussions across platforms like Reddit, with many players criticizing Black Ops 6’s increasing reliance on monetization. While some argue that these systems are a necessary evil for continued game development, many others feel betrayed by the way the game is transforming into a storefront rather than a traditional gaming experience.
Fans Criticize the Monetization of Events
One Reddit user summed up the frustration succinctly: "Monetizing an event that is itself an advertisement"—a sentiment echoed by many others. Players are questioning why they should pay for the base game and then be asked to spend even more money for an Event Pass that gives access to exclusive rewards tied to a collaboration with Squid Game. This brings to light the broader issue of in-game purchases, as fans feel they are being asked to pay multiple times for a game that already costs a premium price.
One fan expressed their discontent, saying, *"I’m of the opinion that this game should just be free-to-play. You can still have the battle passes and all these skins and ***, but what are we even paying $70 for? The right to pay more?" This comment points to a key issue in the current Call of Duty model: while Warzone (the battle royale mode) is free-to-play, core elements like the PvP multiplayer, Zombies, and Campaign modes still require players to purchase the game upfront. Fans have compared Black Ops 6 to other free-to-play titles that offer Event Passes, noting that Call of Duty is an outlier in charging both for the base game and additional content.
Frustration with In-Game Purchases and Pay-to-Win Concerns
The Squid Game collaboration is just the latest in a series of controversial decisions surrounding Black Ops 6. The game has already faced backlash over its monetization practices, including the addition of pricey cosmetic items, like a weapon camo tied to a $350 prop gun replica, and bizarre in-game items like the "Unicorn Fart" finishing move. Players have voiced concerns that these cosmetic purchases are beginning to influence gameplay, with some even accusing the game of becoming "pay-to-win" due to the visual effects of certain skins.
The Squid Game event, which is set to go live on January 3, is expected to introduce more details about the new Event Pass system. However, with the current climate of discontent, it’s unlikely that these details will calm the growing frustration within the Call of Duty community. Fans are concerned that the game is evolving into a monetized platform, where the primary focus is on profit rather than delivering a satisfying player experience.
As January 3 draws closer, players are bracing for more revelations about the Squid Game collaboration and the Event Pass. While Black Ops 6 continues to generate excitement with its new events, the rising tide of criticism over its monetization practices suggests that Activision may need to reconsider how it handles in-game purchases moving forward. For now, many fans remain skeptical about the direction the series is taking, with some even calling for Call of Duty to shift to a free-to-play model to align more closely with modern gaming trends.
