Activision Sneaks Ads into Call of Duty Loadouts, Fans Furious: 'Like Playing a Mobile Game'

The recent launch of Call of Duty Season 4 brought unexpected changes that have sparked significant backlash among the community. Activision discreetly introduced advertisements within loadouts for both Black Ops 6 and Warzone, embedding weapon bundle promotions directly into the build and weapon menus. These ads appear unavoidably as players configure their loadouts, disrupting the gaming experience.

This move has reignited concerns over Activision’s aggressive monetization practices, particularly in premium titles. Critics argue that placing ads in a $80 game undermines the value of a paid product. The controversy extends beyond Black Ops 6, as similar ads have surfaced in the Events tab, further fueling frustration.

"I wouldn’t even mind if this was just in Warzone, but adding it to a pay-to-play game is ridiculous."
— byu/SWO0ZY in blackops6

"They added bundle ads to the weapon selection menu? Really?"
— byu/JustTh4tOneGuy in blackops6

"Season 4 introduces new ad spots for weapons."
— byu/whambampl in blackops6

These reactions echo broader dissatisfaction with Activision’s monetization model, which already includes battle passes, premium battle passes, and costly DLCs. The integration of ads parallels trends seen in mobile games, further alienating players who feel the brand is losing its integrity.

Adding to the tension, Activision recently abandoned Warzone Mobile, citing unmet expectations. This decision has amplified concerns about the company’s strategic direction post-Microsoft’s acquisition.

As the debate continues, IGN reached out to Activision for clarification, but no official statement has been released yet.