Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has been a hot topic since launch, though not always for the reasons players hoped. While the series continues to command attention, its physical retail performance in some markets is sending mixed signals. Even though digital sales are now the dominant trend, retail numbers still offer useful insight and in this case, they hint at a more cautious start.
For years, the Call of Duty brand has dominated retail charts around the world. This time around, however, things look a little different. The physical launch in some major markets seems to reflect a quieter opening weekend, perhaps due to debates over campaign structure, always-online requirements, or simply shooter fatigue. Whatever the cause, the early signs suggest a shift in player behavior.
In the UK, first-week reports show that physical boxed sales of Black Ops 7 were approximately 61% lower than those of Black Ops 6 during its launch. That kind of drop rings alarm bells for a franchise used to blasting past its own records. But keep in mind: This is only part of the story, digital and streaming sales haven’t been revealed yet.
Call of Duty’s real power tends to emerge over time, driven by multiplayer engagement, seasonal updates, and player retention. So while this signal is noteworthy, it’s not definitive. The next few weeks of digital performance and community feedback will shape the bigger picture.
For now, one thing is clear: Black Ops 7 has entered the market with a softer start than its predecessors. But the game’s journey is far from over. Stay tuned to VGNW and X for updates on Black Ops 7’s performance in the coming weeks.
