Fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the premium pricing model in Black Ops 6, especially following the announcement of the highly anticipated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) crossover. While the collaboration was met with initial excitement, the steep cost of in-game cosmetics has sparked widespread backlash. Read on to discover why players are calling out Activision’s aggressive monetization strategy.
Black Ops 6 Under Fire Over TMNT Crossover Pricing
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover, part of Black Ops 6’s Season 2 Reloaded update, has drawn criticism for locking iconic characters behind a high-priced paywall. Each of the four turtles—Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello—is available as a cosmetic skin for $20 individually. Master Splinter can be unlocked by purchasing the $10 Battle Pass Premium Track. When combined, these purchases total $90—before adding the $10 TMNT-themed weapon blueprint, bringing the full bundle to a staggering $100.
What makes this even more controversial is that Black Ops 6 is a full-priced AAA title, retailing at $69.99. Unlike free-to-play titles such as Fortnite, where crossover content is expected to be monetized, fans expected more value from a premium game. "That is INSANE," commented Reddit user neverclaimsurv. "In Fortnite I think I paid $25.00 for all 4 turtles, and that’s a free game."
Another major concern is the lack of legacy support. These exclusive skins are unlikely to carry over to future Black Ops titles, meaning players who invest in this content may lose access once the next game launches. Reddit user SellMeYourSirin pointed out, "It has everything to do with the fact a full price game (that’s likely gonna be replaced within the next year) has THREE tiers of battle passes." The game features one free tier and two paid tiers, further fueling frustration over perceived pay-to-win progression and cosmetic gating.
Despite the criticism, Activision shows no signs of slowing down. As the highest-grossing video game in the United States in 2024, Black Ops 6 continues to drive revenue through its battle passes and paid events. However, sustained fan pressure could influence future monetization decisions.
Mixed Reception on Steam Amid Technical and Ethical Concerns
On Steam, Black Ops 6 currently holds 10,696 mixed user reviews, with only 47% of players recommending the game. Beyond pricing, users are reporting persistent technical issues, including frequent crashes and performance instability. Steam user LemonRain shared their frustration: "This game has had problems with hard crashing since launch, but the latest update has made it so I can’t complete a single match. Reinstalling. Safe mode. Support. Nothing works and I have given up."
Multiplayer integrity is also under fire, with numerous reports of hackers gaining unfair advantages—some allegedly able to eliminate entire teams before the match even begins. One player recounted spending 15 minutes in a matchmaking lobby only to face multiple cheaters, undermining fair play and competitive balance.
Additionally, Activision’s growing reliance on AI has sparked a wave of protest reviews. In a symbolic act of dissent, some players used AI tools like ChatGPT to generate their negative Steam reviews. Steam user Rundur wrote, "Since Activision can't be bothered hiring real people anymore, I've decided to take advantage of AI myself and ask ChatGPT to write this negative review for me. Enjoy."
Despite these challenges, Black Ops 6 remains a commercial success, driven largely by its high-priced battle passes and limited-time crossover content. While monetization continues to generate revenue, growing player dissatisfaction could shape how future titles balance profit and player experience.
