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Black Ops 7 Sales Dive in Europe & Japan: What It Means

Black Ops 7 Sales Dive in Europe & Japan: What It Means
Black Ops 7 game logo with sales charts showing decline in Europe and Japan

The latest installment in the iconic Call of Duty franchise, Black Ops 7, a futuristic first-person shooter, appears to be grappling with a surprisingly muted launch. Early sales figures from key global regions, particularly Europe and Japan, paint a concerning picture, suggesting the title is significantly underperforming when compared to both its predecessors and contemporary rivals. This unexpected stumble has led to widespread industry speculation, amplified by Activision's uncharacteristic silence on post-launch sales milestones.

European Market Analysis Reveals Stark Contrast

Data from Europe, meticulously tracked by GSD (which encompasses both physical and digital sales), indicates a "disappointing" launch for Black Ops 7. During its opening week, the game's sales were a staggering 63% below those of Battlefield 6. Furthermore, the numbers are estimated to be over 50% down compared to last year's Black Ops 6.

Despite these significant declines in volume, Black Ops 7 did manage to secure the top-selling game position in Europe during its debut week, highlighting the sheer scale of the Call of Duty brand even amidst softer performance.

Japanese Launch Marks Franchise Low

Across the globe in Japan, the situation appears even more dire for Black Ops 7. Insider Gaming reports that the title has experienced the worst Japanese launch in the entire Call of Duty franchise history. While Japan has historically not been a primary market for the series, this unprecedented low signals a broader trend in regional performance.

Why the Muted Response? Criticisms Mount

The initial sales figures seem to echo the lukewarm reception Black Ops 7 garnered from both critics and fans. Several factors have been cited as potential contributors to this softer-than-expected performance:

  • Lukewarm Critical and Fan Reception: General sentiment towards the game has been less enthusiastic than previous entries.
  • AI-Generated Assets Allegations: Criticisms have been levied regarding in-game assets that were allegedly generated by artificial intelligence.
  • Always-Online Story Campaign: The requirement for an internet connection to play the story campaign has been a point of contention for some players.
  • Intense Competition: The gaming landscape is more competitive than ever, with Battlefield 6 reportedly "skyrocketing" on best-seller lists. Additionally, the extraction shooter Arc Raiders has been observed "lapping Black Ops 7 in Steam player counts."

Activision's Silence and Game Pass Impact

In a notable departure from tradition, Activision has remained uncharacteristically quiet regarding Black Ops 7's sales performance. Typically, the publisher is quick to publicize record-breaking figures or player engagement statistics following a Call of Duty launch. This silence, coupled with the regional sales data, has fueled concern among industry observers.

It's crucial to acknowledge, however, that these early reported sales numbers do not offer a complete picture. Black Ops 7 is included as part of an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, meaning a substantial portion of its player base may be accessing the game without a direct retail purchase. This could potentially skew early sales comparisons.

As Black Ops 7 prepares for its first season launch in December, all eyes will be on how the title navigates these initial challenges and whether player engagement through Game Pass can offset the underwhelming retail performance.