Treyarch, the development studio behind the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, has reportedly turned down collaboration offers from “big brands” for in-game cosmetic skins. According to Yale Miller, senior director of production at Treyarch, the studio is committed to ensuring that all crossover skins in Black Ops 7 genuinely align with the game’s aesthetic and feel, leading them to reject deals that didn’t meet this standard.
“There are opportunities that we have had lined up that, after some of our conversations, we straight up turned down. Big, big brands, big things, and we’re like, ‘No, we’re not gonna do that because it just doesn’t fit,'” Miller stated, emphasizing a focus on authenticity.
The decision comes amidst a divided Call of Duty fanbase regarding the franchise’s increasingly “wacky” and over-the-top skins. While some players enjoy the vibrant and often humorous cosmetics, others feel they detract from the series’ traditional military shooter identity. Miller pointed to the recent Nuketown Block Party mannequin skins from Black Ops 6 as an example of cosmetics that, while not strictly “grounded,” still “feel right for the game.”
“All intentions are to stick to stuff that we can hand on our heart, say, ‘Yeah, that feels Black Ops,'” Miller clarified, distinguishing their approach from a strict adherence to “grounded” realism. This stance suggests a careful curation process for future cosmetic content.
While most Black Ops 6 skins will not transfer to Black Ops 7, the types of new licensed or original skins appearing in the upcoming title remain a topic of speculation. Last August, Activision acknowledged fan sentiment that the franchise might have “drifted” from its core military identity due to these varied cosmetic offerings.
This discussion around Black Ops 7 skins also draws a contrast with Electronic Arts’ approach to Battlefield 6. Developers for Battlefield have previously emphasized a “grounded” aesthetic for their game’s cosmetics, with design director Shashank Uchil famously stating, “I don’t think it needs Nicki Minaj” – a clear jab at Call of Duty’s inclusion of a Nicki Minaj operator skin.
Indeed, Call of Duty has historically featured a wide array of unusual skins, ranging from “stoner sloths” to licensed collaborations with popular franchises like The Boys, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, King of the Hill, Beavis and Butt-Head, and I Know What You Did Last Summer. These crossovers, sometimes accompanied by special game modes, have been met with both enthusiasm and criticism from the community.
Regardless of the artistic direction, the in-game shop remains a significant revenue driver for Activision, and new skins and downloadable content are a certainty for Black Ops 7. The game is set to launch on November 14, with a multiplayer beta scheduled for October, which will notably include a Zombies mode.