According to Circana analysts, *Black Ops 6* emerged as the top-selling game in the United States last year, continuing the impressive streak of the Call of Duty series, which has led the U.S. market for an astounding 16 consecutive years. This dominance underscores the franchise's unwavering appeal and its status as a staple in the gaming community.
In the realm of sports gaming, *EA Sports College Football 25* captured the hearts of U.S. gamers upon its console release in July. Despite a slight dip in overall U.S. gaming spending by 1.1% in 2024 compared to the previous year, Circana highlights that this decline is primarily linked to reduced hardware demand. In contrast, spending on add-ons and services saw positive growth, increasing by 2% and 6%, respectively, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards digital content and services.
Looking ahead, fans of *Black Ops 6* and *Warzone 2* have much to anticipate. The second season, launching on January 28, promises exciting new content including a ninja-themed event and a crossover with the iconic "Terminator" universe, set to invigorate the gameplay experience.
The game has received widespread acclaim for its varied missions that keep players engaged and surprised throughout the campaign. Both players and critics have lauded the refined shooting mechanics and the innovative movement system, which allows for dynamic actions like shooting while falling or lying on one's back. This redesign contributes significantly to the game's immersive experience.
Reviewers have also praised the campaign's length, clocking in at around eight hours, which strikes a perfect balance—not too short to feel rushed, nor too long to drag on. The zombies mode, in particular, has been a hit among gamers, complementing the well-received campaign. However, *Black Ops 6* has not been without its critics. A portion of the community, especially on Steam, expressed disappointment, primarily citing technical issues such as frequent crashes and unstable server connections that hinder progress in the story mode.