The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has released its official rating description for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, confirming that the upcoming game will uphold the franchise`s consistent inclusion of marijuana-themed content.
As per the ESRB`s detailed summary, certain in-game weapons will incorporate “marijuana/joints/paraphernalia.” Additionally, character “operators” will be shown “inhaling through bongs as part of execution sequences.” These elements are widely expected to manifest as cosmetic items, aligning with Call of Duty`s established practice of offering a substantial range of cannabis-themed downloadable content. It remains uncertain, however, if Black Ops 6`s existing in-game purchases and operator bundles, such as the infamous pot-themed Seth Rogen pack, will transfer over to Black Ops 7 upon its launch later this year.
The Call of Duty series has openly embraced marijuana culture for many years, frequently releasing various weed-themed DLC. Earlier titles, like Modern Warfare 3, notably featured the legendary stoner duo Cheech and Chong, alongside a bundle that included a pot-smoking sloth. Black Ops 6, for its part, introduced a special “4/20”-themed Nuketown map, aptly named “Blazetown.”
ESRB Rating Details and Campaign Information
Beyond the cannabis references, the ESRB description for Black Ops 7 solidifies its “M” (Mature) rating. This classification is primarily due to the game`s depiction of “blood and gore, intense violence, strong language, suggestive themes, and use of drugs.” The rating summary also offers a glimpse into the game`s campaign storyline, indicating that players will embark on a mission to “prevent a tech titan from gaining power.”
The description further elaborates on the game`s combat: “Battles are realistic and frenetic, highlighted by gunfire, cries of pain, and blood-splatter effects.” It also notes that “Some levels allow players to engage in execution moves/sequences (e.g., repeatedly stabbing a foe in the chest, throat, torso). Some weapons cause characters to explode into bloody chunks of flesh.”
Development and Upcoming Reveals
Black Ops 7 is currently being developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, the primary co-developers behind 2024`s Black Ops 6. This marks a notable shift in Activision`s release strategy, as it`s the first time new Black Ops titles are being launched in consecutive years. The eagerly anticipated global reveal event for Black Ops 7 is scheduled to occur at Gamescom in August, which could potentially be followed by the Call of Duty Next event in September.
In related news concerning the competing first-person shooter market, reports suggest that EA and DICE are preparing to unveil Battlefield 6 on July 31st.