The non-stop annual release schedule of theCall of Dutyfranchise is showing no signs of slowing down, with attention already starting to shift away from the highs and lows ofBlack Ops 6and towards 2025’s major project for the longstanding series. While nothing has been officially confirmed by Activision in terms of what this upcoming title will look like, a series of high-profile rumors and leaks paint a clear image of what fans might come to see fromCall of Dutyin the near future.
Allegedly, 2025’sCall of Dutytitle will be a direct sequel to 2012’sBlack Ops 2, being set around the 2030s alongside the outlandish game mechanics that this kind of near-future setting brings with it. While continuing the single-player narrative of aBlack Ops 2sequel is a fascinating prospect, a lot of debate is already circulating about how this 2025 project’s multiplayer might handle its ties toBO2in terms of map remasters and returning weapons.Black Ops 2possesses one of the most iconic weapon arsenals that the franchise has ever seen, so Activision will have a big choice to make in terms of maintaining or reverting the controversial changes that were made to sniper rifles like the DSR-50.
CoD 2025’s Potential Reliance on Black Ops 2 Content Would Carry the Torch of Some Controversial Weapon Changes
A lot of uncertainty still exists around the development process of 2025’sCall of Dutyentry, with reports suggesting that the game is still without an assigned main developer, butrumors of the game being a sequel toBlack Ops 2are only growing stronger over time. Of course, this would make the past two entries to the massive Activision franchise back-to-backBlack Opsreleases, running the risk of emulating the controversy that surrounded the lack of gameplay variety within 2022 and 2023’s consecutiveModern Warfarereleases.
Like 2023’sModern Warfare 3, there are already allegations that2025’sCall of Dutywill rely heavily on remasteredBlack Ops 2content, especially in terms of its launch multiplayer map pool. The new feel and identity ofCoDmay make these maps play very differently compared to their original portrayals. If this is the case, then it only seems logical that 2025’sCoDwill continueBO2’s semi-futuristic setting by adopting the 2012 game’s weapon arsenal. Among these, its sniper rifles pose some interesting questions that 2025’s release will have to answer.
2023’sModern Warfare 3was criticized for its launch map pool, composed entirely of pre-existing remasters, as well as its infamously short campaign. ConsecutiveBlack Opsreleases potentially face these same issues.
Black Ops 2’s multiplayer is largely considered as one of the best inCall of Dutyhistory. The game played a major role in the classic quickscoping era of the IP. Bolt-action sniper rifles like the DSR-50 and the Ballista were a staple ofBlack Ops 2quickscoping before some infamous nerfs were implemented late-on into the game’s life cycle, with rate of fire and sprint to fire times in particular taking huge hits for the weapons.
Modern CoD’s Faster Movement Mechanics Might Work in the DSR-50’s Favor
This predictably sent shock-waves throughout large sections of theCoDcommunity at the time, and, while quickscoping is not nearly as prevalent in modernCall of Duty, 2025’s release would be in a unique position to either honor the original state of these sniper rifles or to continue their divisive final builds. There is a real possibility that 2025’s allegedBO2sequel will carry forward thehigh-octane omnimovement system ofBlack Ops 6, meaning that faster movement and firing speeds with sniper rifles could feel more in place than other recentCoDreleases. This would work in favor of the DSR-50’s original state.
While 2025’sCall of Dutyrelease should aim to foster its own identity,its rumored ties toBlack Ops 2are unavoidable, and the tradition and feel of the 2012 game’s original state should still be honored the best it can.Black Ops 2undoubtedly played a huge role inCoD’s long history of quickscoping and unique styles of play with sniper rifles. Therefore, a sequel to the title faces a massive decision in terms of whether it is worth continuing in the franchise’s modern identity.
