As the release date of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 approaches, it faces surprising competition in the gaming market. Currently, it ranks 173rd among Steam’s wishlisted games, even trailing behind titles like Palworld and Gothic. The immense success of Battlefield 6 appears to be a significant hindrance, as it draws player attention away from the Call of Duty franchise. Activision's recent strategic shifts, including a focus on realistic military aesthetics and fewer cosmetic distractions, can be viewed as a reaction to Battlefield's popularity. The game is set to launch on Xbox Game Pass on day one, potentially impacting its performance on Steam and enhancing its appeal among console players who dominate Call of Duty's user base.

Why is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 struggling to generate wishlist interest on Steam?

The game is currently overshadowed by competitors like Battlefield 6 and faces challenges due to its transitional period between various gaming platforms, such as Battle.net and Game Pass. Additionally, many Call of Duty players lean towards consoles rather than PC, which could further explain its low visibility on Steam's wishlist.

The Call of Duty series has been a frontrunner in the first-person shooter genre, known for its fast-paced multiplayer gameplay and compelling single-player campaigns. The franchise has seen fluctuating engagement from its community, affected by various market dynamics and player preferences over the years. With Black Ops 7, Treyarch and Activision aim to reinvigorate interest and reclaim dominance amidst a crowded market competition, reflecting the franchise's ongoing challenges in adapting to evolving gaming trends.