It looks like Activision could be bringing back one of Call of Duty’s most talked-about features, and not in the way some fans were hoping. The ‘Carry Forward’ system, which lets players bring unlocked or purchased cosmetics, like operator skins and weapon blueprints, from one game to the next, might return with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
While the idea sounds fair in theory, considering how much time and money players pour into unlocking cosmetics, not everyone is excited about it. Especially when the cosmetics coming over include goofy skins and over-the-top blueprints that clash with the tone of the franchise.
Call of Duty’s carry forward: A brief history
Back in mid-2023, before the launch of Modern Warfare 3, Activision officially introduced the Carry Forward system for the first time. This bold move allowed players to bring cosmetics from Modern Warfare 2 (2022) forward into MW3. It was a consumer-friendly decision that was widely celebrated at first, but the buzz didn’t last long.
With the launch of Black Ops 6 in 2024, Activision ditched the feature entirely. This meant all those flashy bundles people bought in MW3 stayed there. Players once again had to start from zero, purchasing fresh content just to customize their experience.
Leaked details and a possible comeback
Now, all eyes are on Black Ops 7. Earlier today, the ESRB published its official rating for the upcoming title, which, shockingly, tagged it as M for Mature. But here’s where it gets interesting: the detailed description of the rating mentions some intense content, including violent hallucinations and graphic executions.
But the kicker? One part of the description specifically refers to players using a drug paraphernalia attachment on a weapon, a finishing move that’s currently available in Black Ops 6. Unless Activision plans to rebuild that exact animation for BO7, many fans are interpreting this as confirmation that existing BO6 finishing moves (and likely their corresponding bundles) will carry forward into the next game.
Understandably, the Call of Duty community is split.
Some players say, “Hey, if I spent money on this stuff, I should be able to take it with me.” That’s fair.
Others think the feature is better left to games like Warzone, where realism has always taken a backseat to fun and creativity.
But the biggest concern isn’t about the feature itself: it’s about the identity of the series. Many longtime players argue that wild, cartoonish skins and ridiculous finishing moves are turning a once-gritty military shooter into a parody of itself.
Realism vs. Revenue
Earlier this year, reports emerged from a reputable leaker claiming that Activision was reassessing its approach to cosmetics. Apparently, studio execs were aware of growing community disapproval over unrealistic skins, especially from crossover events like Squid Game and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Here’s the catch, though: those wild cosmetics are literally printing money. According to the leaker, while there’s an internal appetite at Activision to scale things back and restore realism, the financial pressure to keep those collaborations going is just too strong to ignore.
What’s next for Black Ops?
The likely return of Carry Forward in Black Ops 7 raises big questions about the future direction of the franchise. Will Activision prioritise realism, or will the financial push of wild cosmetics keep Call of Duty on its current trajectory?
It’s a tricky tightrope. On one hand, the publisher wants to respect its player base, many of whom long for the days of restrained, militaristic authenticity. On the other, every neon-blue ninja and anime crossover pays serious dividends.
Until Activision confirms the feature, or once again abandons it, we’re left to speculate.
But if that bong-rifle execution is any indicator, Call of Duty’s future may still be high on chaos.