Call of Duty Franchise in Trouble After Record-Low Weekend Player Numbers on Steam
Call of Duty has just recorded its lowest-ever weekend player count on Steam, with just 112,643 peak players across November 1 and 2, 2025. These numbers mark a huge drop from previous weekends and signals an ongoing struggle to retain player interest amid intense competition.
Not even the fun and addicting Zombies mode was enough to retain Call of Duty players this weekend (Credit: Call of Duty)An Aggressive Dive, with No Signs of Recovery
The decline is particularly concerning considering that each of the past few months saw relatively higher figures. This recent plummet signifies a more drastic erosion of the community, raising alarm bells for Activision and Xbox, which has gambled heavily on the franchise’s revival following its acquisition of Activision.
Several factors contribute to this downturn. The launch of Battlefield RedSec and Fortnite's latest Simpsons crossover have diverted players seeking fresh experiences, pulling attention away from Call of Duty’s aging flagship titles. Moreover, Black Ops 6 continue to face widespread criticism for map design issues, microtransactions, and problematic matchmaking systems.
Player complaints about performance issues and bugs accompanied the game since its launch; frustration over crashes, server problems, and a lack of meaningful content, all of which further soured community sentiment. Additionally, skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) and the controversial use of AI mechanics have alienated many long-time fans, leading to a decline in engagement.
Stories Told Through Steam Numbers
The numbers are reflected in broader Steam data: while Battlefield and other FPS titles maintain hundreds of thousands of concurrent players, Call of Duty’s combined player count on Steam across all titles has dwindled to around 40,000; a fraction of its peak years ago. This drop is compounded by competition from newer, innovative shooters and crossovers that feel more aligned with current gaming trends.
Activision’s attempts to stem the tide with ongoing updates and seasonal content have been overshadowed by the perception that Call of Duty is lagging behind in innovation and community engagement. The franchise seems stuck in a cycle of iterative releases, with many players questioning whether the developers have truly addressed the core issues of gameplay balance, cheating, and player satisfaction.
All-or-Nothing for Call of Duty Black Ops 7
With Black Ops 7 expected to launch soon, the franchise faces a huge challenge: can it reverse the downward spiral or risk losing its dominance altogether? Industry analysts warn that unless Activision adopts a more player-focused approach, the franchise may continue bleeding players, leaving room for competitors like Battlefield and Fortnite to consolidate their gains.
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Feature image credit: Call of Duty
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