Marketing data suggests Battlefield 6 could potentially outshine Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 this year, carrying a heavy wave of anticipation
Battlefield 6 Takes the Lead in Anticipation Ahead of Gamescom 2025
As the gaming community gears up for Gamescom 2025, the spotlight is shining brightly on two highly anticipated first-person shooter (FPS) titles: Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. While both games have generated significant buzz, it's Battlefield 6 that currently leads in search trends and expectations.
The reason for Battlefield 6's surge in popularity can be attributed to its highly successful open beta and strong pre-launch buzz. Battlefield 6's open beta attracted a peak of over 334,000 concurrent players on Steam, making it the most popular Battlefield game on the platform by a wide margin and signaling major enthusiasm among players [1][5]. In contrast, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 still has a vague 2025 release window, resulting in relatively lower concrete hype so far [1].
Industry voices, such as former Blizzard executive Mike Ybarra, openly predict Battlefield 6 will "boot stomp" Black Ops 7, crediting Battlefield 6’s fresh gameplay improvements and the competitive pressure it will place on Call of Duty to innovate [1]. Battlefield 6 has incorporated several features reminiscent of earlier beloved Battlefield titles while also adopting modern Call of Duty mechanics like faster bullet travel and a versatile loadout system, improving its close-quarters combat and overall appeal [2].
Meanwhile, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, revealed at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase, promises a dynamic spy-thriller single-player campaign, a robust multiplayer experience with sixteen new maps, a return of familiar systems like Prestige leveling, and co-op Zombies mode, with a release slated for October 25, 2024 [4]. However, this means Black Ops 7 is already out or imminently launching, possibly explaining less recent search interest compared to Battlefield 6’s ongoing beta and build-up to its October 10, 2025 launch [1][4].
Community excitement at Gamescom 2025 favors Battlefield 6 due to its refined mechanics, promising gameplay, and the recent engagement spike during its beta [3][5]. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 maintains a loyal fanbase but faces pressure to evolve, with industry commentators hopeful that the renewed competition will drive better overall FPS titles in 2025 [1].
Both games are set to launch this year, with Battlefield 6 scheduled for October 10, 2025, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 slated for October 25, 2024. Battlefield 6 will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Windows PC, while Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. As we approach Gamescom 2025, the stage is set for a renewed FPS rivalry between these two titans of the gaming industry.
[1] GamesRadar+, (2025), Battlefield 6 vs Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 - Which Game Will Win the FPS Battle?, [online] Available at: https://www.gamesradar.com/battlefield-6-vs-call-of-duty-black-ops-7-which-game-will-win-the-fps-battle/
[2] IGN, (2025), Battlefield 6: Everything You Need to Know, [online] Available at: https://www.ign.com/articles/battlefield-6-everything-you-need-to-know
[3] PC Gamer, (2025), Battlefield 6 Beta Player Count Peaked at Over 334,000 Concurrent Players, [online] Available at: https://www.pcgamer.com/battlefield-6-beta-player-count-peaked-at-over-334000-concurrent-players/
[4] GameSpot, (2024), Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 - Everything You Need to Know, [online] Available at: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-7-everything-you-need-to-know/1100-6488818/
[5] Eurogamer, (2025), Battlefield 6 Beta: The Complete Guide, [online] Available at: https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2025-07-15-battlefield-6-beta-the-complete-guide
- Players are anticipating the release of Battlefield 6 on desktop PCs, powered by Windows, as Microsoft prepares for the game's launch on the Xbox Series X.
- Gaming enthusiasts have been keeping a close eye on the updates and changes in the gameplay mechanics of both Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, two of the most anticipated first-person shooter titles, as technology advances.
- Mike Ybarra, a well-known name in the gaming industry, predicts that Battlefield 6, with its innovative gameplay and competitive pressure, will outperform Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, also a strong contender in the FPS genre.
- In preparation for the launch of Battlefield 6, gamers have been exploring and testing various gadgets and accessories, hoping to gain an edge in close-quarters combat during the intense multiplayer experience.
- As the release dates for both Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 approach, many believe that advancements in technology and the renewed competition between these two FPS giants will lead to the creation of even better games in the near future, enhancing the overall gaming experience for players worldwide.
