Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to release this week, marking a significant moment for fans of the franchise. Ahead of the launch, Activision hosted a special event in Sydney, featuring content creators stepping into the roles of the Replacers. The event also welcomed Miles Leslie, Associate Creative Director at Treyarch, back to Australia to celebrate the game’s release.
In a media briefing, Leslie shared insights about what excites him and the team about this new installment. Black Ops 7 promises to be a major success across its three core pillars: a campaign that revisits the beloved Black Ops 2 narrative, a multiplayer mode launching with nineteen maps, and a Zombies mode designed to appeal to both new and returning players. Leslie’s enthusiasm was palpable as he discussed the creative freedoms and challenges that have kept him engaged with the Call of Duty franchise over the years.
Innovations and Creative Challenges
Leslie emphasized the importance of maintaining the franchise’s core experience while introducing new elements. “Every Black Ops entry tries something new,” he explained, highlighting the near-future setting of 2035 and the introduction of wall jumping as exciting new features.
When asked about the most game-changing additions, Leslie acknowledged the diverse opinions among players and developers. “Innovation isn’t just one thing — it’s the collection of changes that make the game feel fresh and personal for players,” he noted.
“The strength of the team is that everyone’s passionate about something that speaks to how they play.”
Addressing Player Perceptions
Leslie addressed the common perception that Call of Duty lacks innovation, particularly among those unfamiliar with the series. He stressed the importance of accessibility, noting that Black Ops 7 might be the best entry point for new players due to its intuitive controls and smooth learning curve.
The decision to connect Black Ops 7 to Black Ops 2 was deliberate, offering a sense of nostalgia while introducing fresh elements. Leslie mentioned the return of the popular ‘Peacekeeper’ gun, reimagined for the new game.
Future Directions and Technological Leaps
Looking ahead, Leslie sees Black Ops 7 as a significant step forward due to its unified global progression system, which rewards players across all modes. This innovation encourages exploration and ensures players feel rewarded regardless of their preferred mode.
“Global progression — that ‘you should always be rewarded for playing anywhere’ mindset — feels like a natural evolution.”
Leslie also discussed the creative process behind the Black Ops stories, which often blend grounded, emotional narratives with near-future settings. The team takes lore and continuity seriously, ensuring each game connects with long-time fans.
Experimentation and Player Engagement
Leslie hinted at several surprising levels in Black Ops 7, reminiscent of the ‘Emergence’ level from Black Ops 6. These moments are designed to be fun and bombastic while serving the story, showcasing the franchise’s willingness to experiment with pacing and gameplay styles.
For players eager to dive into the new campaign, Leslie recommended checking out the ‘previously on’ video released by the developers, which provides a concise summary of key plot points leading into Black Ops 7.
As the countdown to the November 14 launch continues, fans can look forward to experiencing the latest innovations and nostalgic elements that Black Ops 7 has to offer. The game will be available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, promising to captivate both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike.
