Activision Scraps Black Ops 7 'Carry Forward' After Player Backlash

Last Updated: October 20, 2025

In a stunning and unprecedented reversal, Activision has officially canceled the planned "Carry Forward" feature for the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The decision, which came just days after the feature's high-profile announcement, will prevent players from transferring most of their purchased and unlocked content, such as operators, weapon blueprints, and skins, from Black Ops 6.

This abrupt U-turn was driven by a wave of intense and widespread backlash from the Call of Duty community, which had voiced significant concerns over gameplay balance, technical stability, and aesthetic cohesion. The move marks a dramatic pivot in Activision's strategy and raises new questions about the future of the interconnected Call of Duty universe.

A Surprising Announcement, A Predictable Backlash

The controversy began during the game's initial reveal at Gamescom, where developers announced that, contrary to recent shifts, Black Ops 7 would allow players to carry over most of their content from Black Ops 6. This announcement was itself a surprise, as Treyarch and Activision had made the deliberate choice to break from tradition with Black Ops 6, creating a "fresh start" by not carrying forward the vast majority of content from Modern Warfare II and III. That decision was largely praised by the community for promising a clean slate and a distinct identity for the new Black Ops era.

The reintroduction of Carry Forward for Black Ops 7 was therefore seen by many as a step backward. Immediately following the announcement, social media, Reddit, and major forums were inundated with criticism. Players argued that allowing a full transfer of high-level weapons and professionally-tuned blueprints would create a severe imbalance on day one, giving veteran players an insurmountable advantage over newcomers.

Further criticism was aimed at aesthetic and thematic bloat. Many fans expressed a desire for Black Ops 7 to establish its own unique identity, fearing it would be immediately diluted by a flood of mismatched operators and fantastical weapon skins from the previous title. One user on a popular Call of Duty forum noted, "The last thing we need is the core experience of a new game cluttered with skins and operators that don't fit the vibe. We wanted a reset."

Activision's Swift Response

The sheer volume and intensity of the negative feedback prompted a remarkably swift response from Activision. In a statement posted across their official channels, the publisher acknowledged the community's concerns and confirmed the feature's removal for the core multiplayer experience.

"We have heard your feedback loud and clear," the statement read. "The team is committed to delivering a true Black Ops experience, and that begins with a fresh start for everyone on day one. To that end, we will be discontinuing the Carry Forward plan for operators, weapons, and bundles from Black Ops 6 into Black Ops 7. We believe this is the best decision to ensure a balanced and engaging experience for all players."

Further clarification confirmed the change would also apply to the popular Zombies mode, with players starting fresh there as well. This addressed specific fears that powerful, carried-over weapon blueprints could trivialize the mode's early-game progression and challenge.

A New Precedent for Call of Duty

This reversal is more than just a course correction; it's a significant moment for the franchise. It demonstrates a new level of responsiveness to player sentiment, particularly after the publisher held firm on its content plans for previous titles. While the Carry Forward system between Modern Warfare II and III was a technical success, it was criticized for creating a bloated and often confusing arsenal for players. The decision to establish a clean break for Black Ops 6 was a direct response to that feedback.

The Black Ops 7 Carry Forward debacle serves as a powerful lesson in community management and feature implementation. The initial plan, while likely intended to reward player investment, overlooked the community's growing desire for distinct, self-contained experiences within the larger Call of Duty ecosystem.

As development on Black Ops 7 continues, the removal of Carry Forward has reset expectations. While some players who invested heavily in Black Ops 6 content may be disappointed, the overwhelming response has been positive. The community has lauded the decision as a pro-player move that prioritizes the long-term health and balance of the game over short-term microtransaction continuity. The road ahead for Call of Duty now seems to favor "fresh starts," a philosophy cemented not by an initial plan, but by a developer's willingness to listen.