The latest showdown in the gaming world has arrived, pitting two giants against each other. Fans of first-person shooters are in for a treat as Activision and EA go head-to-head with significant releases. Coinciding with this, there’s a buzz around the recent free trial of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer and Zombies, which has kicked off just as EA introduces its Battlefield battle royale, REDSEC.
Activision’s Bold Move
Yesterday, October 27, marked a notable day for shooter enthusiasts. Reports suggest EA confirmed the unannounced release of its Battlefield battle royale, REDSEC, which was set to go live today, October 28, at 8am PT / 11am ET. Later that day, Activision stirred the pot by announcing a free access period for Black Ops 6 Multiplayer and Zombies, running from now until November 3.
Grab your squad. We’ve got Black Ops 6 💥
Get access to Black Ops 6 Multiplayer and Zombies for free starting tomorrow 🎮 pic.twitter.com/xTZv7VQlnP
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) October 27, 2025
Speculation is rife about whether Activision is attempting to overshadow EA’s release. While some argue it’s merely a holiday-themed trial aligning with Halloween events in Black Ops 6, others believe the timing is telling. Last month, a similar strategy was employed by Activision, with a Black Ops 6 trial coinciding perfectly with Battlefield 6’s launch. This ongoing rivalry between Activision and EA has become a spectacle, with each aiming to capture the attention of gamers during the festive season.
Changes and Commitments
In a twist that shook the Call of Duty fanbase, Activision confirmed in August that items from Black Ops 6 would not transfer to Black Ops 7. This unexpected move was justified by their desire to maintain authenticity in the upcoming release. In contrast, EA’s Battlefield 6 has been committed to realistic aesthetics, distancing itself from crossover skins. Design director Shashank Uchil emphasized their focus on realism, contrasting it with Call of Duty’s lighter approach, citing the Nicki Minaj skin as an example of what Battlefield aims to avoid. “It has to be grounded,” he said, showcasing artwork of soldiers in a war-torn New York City.
The Battle for Dominance
September witnessed EA launching a bold marketing campaign for Battlefield 6, taking aim at Call of Duty with a live-action trailer. Meanwhile, Activision extended the Black Ops 7 beta, strategically placing it close to Battlefield 6’s release. Both games are critical for their respective publishers, with Battlefield 6 launching a month before its rival and introducing a battle royale to challenge Call of Duty’s Warzone. Black Ops 7 prepares for its release on November 14. The gaming community is eagerly watching to see which titan will emerge victorious when the dust finally settles.