The ESRB rating for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has been released, confirming that the upcoming title will continue the series` tradition of featuring marijuana-related content.
According to the ESRB, certain in-game weapons will include “marijuana/joints/paraphernalia,” and character operators will perform “execution sequences” involving bongs. This content is generally expected to be cosmetic, given Call of Duty`s history of extensive cannabis-themed downloadable content (DLC). It is currently unknown whether previous Black Ops 6 purchases, such as operator bundles, will transfer to Black Ops 7 upon its release later this year.
The Call of Duty franchise has a long-standing history with marijuana, evidenced by numerous weed-themed DLC additions over the years. Notably, characters like Cheech and Chong were introduced in Modern Warfare 3, which also featured a pot-smoking sloth bundle. Black Ops 6 further embraced this trend with a 4/20-themed Nuketown map, dubbed “Blazetown.”
Beyond the cannabis content, the ESRB has officially rated Black Ops 7 as `M` for Mature, citing “blood and gore, intense violence, strong language, suggestive themes, and use of drugs.” The rating summary also reveals that the game`s campaign narrative centers on players` efforts to “prevent a tech titan from gaining power.”
The ESRB description elaborates on the game`s combat, describing it as “realistic and frenetic,” featuring “gunfire, cries of pain, and blood-splatter effects.” It further notes that certain levels permit players to perform “execution moves/sequences,” such as “repeatedly stabbing a foe in the chest, throat, [or] torso,” and that “some weapons cause characters to explode into bloody chunks of flesh.”
Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, who also co-developed 2024`s Black Ops 6, Black Ops 7 marks Activision`s first instance of releasing new Black Ops titles in consecutive years. A worldwide reveal for the game is anticipated at Gamescom in August, potentially followed by the Call of Duty Next event in September.
Meanwhile, rival franchise Battlefield is reportedly set to reveal Battlefield 6 on July 31, developed by EA and DICE.