Activision's Costly Call of Duty Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Crossover Has Some Players Saying Black Ops 6 Should Just Go Free-to-Play at This Point

Call of Duty's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover is sparking outrage among players due to its exorbitant cost. Unlocking all the themed items could cost players upwards of $90 in COD Points, leading to calls for Activision to make Black Ops 6 free-to-play.

Activision's February 20th announcement of Black Ops 6 Season 02 Reloaded detailed the crossover, revealing individual premium bundles for each Turtle (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael). Each bundle is expected to cost 2,400 COD Points ($19.99), totaling $80 for the complete set.

The Leonardo Tracer Pack, priced at 2,400 COD Points or $19.99. Image credit: Activision Publishing.

Adding insult to injury, a premium event pass costing 1,100 COD Points ($10) is required to obtain Splinter, a key character in the crossover. The free track offers limited cosmetics, including two Foot Clan soldier skins.

The community is criticizing the lack of gameplay-affecting items within the crossover, highlighting the purely cosmetic nature of the expensive content. Many argue that ignoring the crossover is easy, but the high cost and the introduction of a second premium event pass (following the Squid Game crossover) are fueling the discontent. Players are comparing Black Ops 6's monetization to free-to-play titles like Fortnite.

The Turtles event pass, only the second of its kind in Call of Duty history. Image credit: Activision Publishing.

Reddit users voiced their frustration, with one stating, "Activision casually glossing over the fact that they want you to pay $80+...DESPICABLE!" Others predicted the implementation of seasonal event passes, lamenting the shift from free, universally appealing event rewards. The high cost, coupled with the existing battle pass and BlackCell options, is seen as excessive by many players.

Black Ops 6's monetization strategy includes a base battle pass ($9.99), a premium BlackCell option ($29.99), and a continuous stream of purchasable cosmetics. The premium event pass adds another layer to this already extensive system, leading players to demand a free-to-play model for the multiplayer component, especially considering the game's $70 price tag.

While Activision's aggressive monetization isn't new, the premium event pass has pushed player frustration to a new high. The standardized monetization across Black Ops 6 and Warzone is particularly problematic, as what's acceptable for a free-to-play title like Warzone isn't necessarily acceptable for a full-priced game.

Despite the backlash, Activision and Microsoft will likely maintain their current strategy, given Black Ops 6's record-breaking launch and impressive sales figures. The game's financial success justifies the current monetization model, regardless of player complaints.