Black Ops 6 has lost more than 40% of its Steam player base since October

Modified Dec 30, 2024 21:23 GMT

Exploring why Black Ops 6 lost over 40% of its player base since October (Image via Activision)

Black Ops 6, which was released on October 25, 2024, achieved the biggest launch weekend in Call of Duty history; however, the game has seen a sharp decline, losing over 40% of its player base on Steam within the last 30 days. While player data from other platforms is unavailable, the decline may likely extend to them as well.

This article explores the factors contributing to the player base decline and examines whether the game can recover its lost audience.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinion.

Potential reasons why Black Ops 6 lost over 40% of its Steam player base

Recent player count data from Steamcharts reveals that Black Ops 6 has lost around 42.05% of its Steam player base over the past 30 days, with an average count of 96,003 players. This is a sharp drop from its peak period (November 2024), when the game saw an almost 100% increase in the month's average player count, breaking past Call of Duty records. However, this success was short-lived due to significant issues plaguing the game.

Call of Duty lost player count (Image via Steamcharts)

1) Surge in hackers and cheaters

Both Black Ops 6 and Warzone have become increasingly unplayable, especially in Ranked Play, as players frequently encounter hackers. The issue is particularly severe for PC users, as hackers dominate lobbies even in standard multiplayer modes. While console players can avoid this by disabling cross-play, PC players have no such option, worsening the experience.

2) False shadow bans

Many legitimate players have reported being shadowbanned, often while hackers continue to play freely. This seemingly unfair system has added to the frustration.

3) Spawn issues

Several players have criticized spawn locations in Black Ops 6’s multiplayer modes, as they frequently lead to unfair or frustrating gameplay experiences.

Can Black Ops 6 recover its player base?

At the moment, it's difficult to predict whether the lost player base can be recovered, but there are potential solutions that may help:

1) Stronger anti-cheat measures

The game's developers are working on massive updates to the Ricochet anti-cheat system. Announced improvements aim to detect and prevent hackers from playing, but these updates are scheduled for Seasons 2 and 3, meaning immediate relief is unlikely.

2) Engaging content updates

Introducing new, well-designed maps and engaging content could reignite player interest.

3) Return of Verdansk

Leaked information suggests that the fan-favorite map, Verdansk, will return on March 10, 2025. As the original Warzone map, its reintroduction could draw back a significant portion of the player base.

In conclusion, while the current player decline is largely attributed to the cheater issue, a combination of improved anti-cheat measures, fresh content, and nostalgic elements could help Black Ops 6 recover in the future.

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Edited by Adarsh J Kumar