The controversy of Black Ops 6 Squid Game collab pricing
Fans criticize Black Ops 6 Squid Game collab for its expensive premium reward track, sparking backlash over microtransactions.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has landed itself in hot water again, this time due to the pricing of its limited-time Squid Game collab. While the event itself promised excitement, fans are upset about the hefty price tag of its Premium Reward Track. This controversy adds to the growing list of complaints about the game’s monetization practices.
Black Ops 6 Squid Game collab pricing is not worth it
The Squid Game collab event in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was expected to be a major hit among players, but its Premium Reward Track has drawn widespread criticism. Priced at 1,100 Call of Duty Points (roughly $9.99 USD), this track offers fewer rewards than the game’s seasonal battle pass, making the price feel unjustifiable to many. Adding to the frustration, players have just three weeks, from January 2 to January 24, to complete the event and earn the rewards.
A major sticking point is the lack of value in the Squid Game Premium Reward Track compared to other in-game purchases. Unlike the seasonal battle pass, which lets players recoup Call of Duty Points through gameplay, the Squid Game track does not offer this feature. Players feel short-changed, especially since previous seasonal events included all rewards for free.
Another layer of criticism stems from the theme of Squid Game itself, a show that critiques the pitfalls of capitalism. Many fans see the irony in the monetization of an event based on such a narrative, with players calling out the hypocrisy.
Black Ops 6 monetization issues
This latest controversy isn’t an isolated issue. Black Ops 6 players have long been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the game’s heavy reliance on microtransactions. Despite a successful launch in October 2024, the game’s player base on platforms like Steam has seen significant declines due to issues such as poor map design, lackluster events, and ongoing problems with cheating.
Community backlash has been intense, with many stating they’ll stop spending money on Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 altogether. Some players hoped that the anger around the Premium Track would lead Activision to reconsider, but the company has stuck to its plans. Fans argue that a game with a premium price of $69.99 USD should not rely so heavily on paid extras.
The monetization model of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has been compared unfavorably to free-to-play games like Fortnite, which use similar systems but don’t charge for the base game. For many, this combination of high upfront costs and frequent microtransactions has diminished the game’s appeal.
Conclusion
This controversy, if not addressed, will lead more and more players away from the game. Activision needs to change if they want to keep the game alive.
How do you feel about the Squid Game event and Call of Duty’s monetization practices? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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