What's Happening?
In the beta version of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, players have discovered that the term 'Arc Raiders' is censored in the game's chat function. This censorship is unusual as it typically applies to profanity or offensive language, not the names of other games. Interestingly, the name of a major competitor, Battlefield 6, is not censored. The censorship only occurs when the words 'Arc' and 'Raiders' are used together. This has sparked discussions online, with Eurogamer confirming the censorship. The issue mirrors a similar situation where 'Arc Raiders' was also censored in the EA App chat feature, which was later resolved. Despite this quirk, the beta has been well-received, with new game modes and tweaks being added. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set for release on November 14, while Arc Raiders will be available on October 30.
Why It's Important?
The censorship of 'Arc Raiders' in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's beta highlights the competitive nature of the gaming industry, where even the mention of rival games can be sensitive. This incident underscores the importance of brand management and competitive strategy in the gaming sector. For players, it raises questions about transparency and the reasons behind such censorship. For developers and publishers, it emphasizes the need to balance competitive practices with community engagement. The resolution of similar censorship in the EA App suggests that companies are responsive to public feedback, which is crucial for maintaining player trust and satisfaction.
What's Next?
As Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 approaches its release date, Activision may address the censorship issue to avoid negative publicity. The gaming community will likely continue to monitor and discuss this development, potentially influencing future policies on in-game censorship. Additionally, the reception of Arc Raiders upon its release could impact how such competitive dynamics are managed in the future. Both games' performance and community feedback will be critical in shaping their respective publishers' strategies.
