Player Count for Black Ops 6 Declines Rapidly Following Controversial Squid Game Collaboration

In spite of the recent launch of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Squid Game event, the game is now experiencing a considerable decline in its player base. The game’s current player count is significantly lower than its initial figures, failing to match the numbers seen in earlier entries in the Call of Duty series around the same time last year. This drop comes shortly after a strong launch that captivated many gamers, but dissatisfaction regarding various elements, particularly monetization strategies, has been voiced by players.

According to a report by Game Rant, Black Ops 6 has seen a serious decline in player engagement, especially on platforms like Steam. Data from Steam Charts reveals that the game lost approximately 72,000 average players in December 2024, with numbers continuing to dwindle into 2025—this trend persists despite the rollout of new content. Although the exact reasons for this decline remain uncertain, it is clear that a significant portion of the community has expressed their discontent on social media platforms.

Black Ops 6 Fans Are Not Thrilled About The Squid Game Collaboration

The New Squid Game Event for Black Ops 6 is Contributing to a Declining Player Count

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 SQUID GAME VIP skins with a rocket launcher Zoomed — Activision

The Squid Game event, launched on January 3, has not been well-received, primarily due to its implementation of a monetized Premium Track—this marks the first such initiative within the game. However, it’s important to note that while this event coincides with the game’s player decline, many factors contribute to the overall loss in players. Criticism extends beyond just monetization, highlighting various gameplay elements that have left fans dissatisfied.

Statistics from Steam Charts indicate a peak player count in November 2024, followed by an alarming 43.56% drop in average players by December, with an additional 7.26% decline noted in January 2025. While fluctuations in player base are common following a highly anticipated game launch, especially one that set records by surpassing 300,000 concurrent players, the extent of Black Ops 6’s shrinking audience raises concerns about potential underlying issues that need addressing.

Our Perspective: Strategies to Regain the Black Ops 6 Player Count

Black Ops 6 Needs to Curb Monetization and Address Gameplay Issues

Addressing the reasons behind the declining player count is a complex task, but Black Ops 6 faces several critical issues that could be resolved. A recurring complaint among players revolves around the prevalence of hackers, raising concerns about the integrity of online gameplay. Although there are plans for an update to enhance anti-cheat measures, many players feel the developers have prioritized the introduction of microtransactions over critical gameplay fixes. Events intended to entice players, such as the Squid Game collaboration, may ultimately be discouraging them instead.

While simply declaring that the game needs “fixing”simplifies a complex problem, focusing on ending excessive monetization could serve as a straightforward resolution to restore goodwill among players. Many have criticized the multitude of microtransactions, viewing them as exploitative, especially considering the game’s base price of $69.99. Though some reduction in player count is to be expected, a significant portion is likely due to the increasing monetization strategies and the perceived neglect of major gameplay issues—factors that Black Ops 6 must address to regain its former player base.

Sources: Game Rant, Steam Charts

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