call of duty: Black Ops 7 Set in 2035, Xbox Handhelds Revealed
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The next installment of “Call of Duty: Black Ops,” the seventh in the series, will be set in 2035, placing it approximately 40 years after the events of “Black Ops 6.” Activision promises a complex narrative featuring returning characters and advanced technology. In related news, Microsoft is partnering with Asus to launch two new Xbox handheld devices, directly competing with the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
Black Ops 7: A dystopian Future Unveiled
Activision describes “Black Ops 7” as the moast intricate story in the series to date, set in a dystopian future where humanity faces imminent danger. Players will encounter familiar faces like David Mason,who first appeared in “Black Ops 2,” and the antagonist Raul Menendez,known for using fear as a weapon.The game promises a blend of team-based gameplay, an innovative co-op campaign, and a multiplayer experience featuring new maps and the next chapter of round-based zombies, Dark Ether.
The teaser trailer hints at futuristic technology and a potential focus on the butterfly effect, leaving fans speculating about the storyline. A complete unveiling of “Call of duty: Black Ops 7” is scheduled for this summer. The game is planned for PC, Xbox One and Series, PS4 and 5, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass from day one.
Did You Know? The “Call of Duty” franchise has generated over $30 billion in revenue since its inception, making it one of the most accomplished video game series of all time.
Microsoft and Asus Join Forces for Xbox Handhelds
Microsoft is entering the handheld gaming market in collaboration with Asus, introducing the Rog Xbox Ally and rog Xbox Ally X. Thes devices aim to combine the performance of an xbox with the adaptability of Windows, offering seamless gaming across Xbox, Battle.net, and other platforms. Microsoft had initially put its own handheld plans on hold to partner with Asus.
The xbox Ally is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 processor, featuring 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. The Ally X boasts an AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme processor with new AI features,twice the storage,and 24 GB of high-speed RAM. Both handhelds are designed with handles based on the Xbox Wireless Controller for enhanced comfort. The launch of these Windows 11 consoles is slated for the christmas season in 2025.
Pro Tip: Consider investing in a high-capacity microSD card to expand the storage of your Xbox handheld for even more games.
Other Highlights from the Xbox Games Showcase
The Xbox Games Showcase also featured updates on other highly anticipated titles:
- The Outer worlds 2: This action RPG is set to release on October 29 for PC, Xbox Series, and PS5, offering players more factions, a larger game world, and new weapons. The basic version is priced at 80 euros, with the Premium Edition around 100 euros on Steam.
- Gears of war: Reloaded: A remaster of the classic,running at 60 frames per second in 4K for the campaign and 120 FPS in multiplayer. Cross-play between PC, Xbox Series, and PS5 will be available upon its release on August 26th.
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The DLC “The Order of the Giant” will be released on September 4,challenging players to solve puzzles and conquer enemies in underground catacombs in Rome.
- grounded 2: Playable in the Xbox Game Preview and on Steam from July 29th.
- Ninja gaiden 4: Coming on October 21 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series, as well as in the Xbox Game Pass.
- Resonance – A Plague Taler Legacy: A prequel set in the Middle Ages, developed by Publisher Focus and ASOBO Studio, scheduled for release in 2026.
- Persona 4 Remake: A remake by Atlus for PC, Xbox Series, and PS5, with the release date yet to be announced.
| Game Title | Release Date | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 | Summer 2025 | PC, Xbox One/Series, PS4/5 |
| The Outer Worlds 2 | October 29, 2025 | PC, Xbox Series, PS5 |
| Gears of War: Reloaded | August 26, 2025 | PC, Xbox Series, PS5 |
| Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of the Giant (DLC) | september 4, 2025 | PC, Xbox series, PS5 |
| Ninja Gaiden 4 | October 21, 2025 | PC, Xbox Series, PS5 |
The Evolution of Call of Duty and Handheld Gaming
The “Call of Duty” franchise has consistently pushed the boundaries of first-person shooter games, evolving from historical settings to futuristic scenarios.The move to 2035 in “Black Ops 7” reflects a trend towards exploring near-future dystopias, allowing developers to incorporate advanced technology and complex narratives. Simultaneously, the rise of handheld gaming has created a demand for powerful, portable devices capable of delivering console-quality experiences. Microsoft’s partnership with Asus signifies a strategic effort to capture this growing market segment, challenging established players like Nintendo and Valve.
According to a report by Newzoo, the global games market is projected to generate $218.7 billion in 2024, with mobile gaming accounting for a significant portion of this revenue. The introduction of Xbox handhelds could further accelerate the growth of the handheld gaming market, offering consumers more choices and innovative gaming experiences. Newzoo Report 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 set to be released?
- The complete unveiling of “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7” is scheduled for the summer of 2025, with the game planned for release on PC, Xbox One and Series, and PS4 and 5.
- What platforms will the new Xbox handhelds be compatible with?
- The Xbox handhelds, including the Rog Xbox Ally and Rog Xbox Ally X, will offer seamless gaming across Xbox, Battle.net,and other platforms,leveraging the flexibility of Windows.
- What are the key features of the Rog Xbox Ally X?
- The Rog Xbox Ally X features an AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme processor with new AI features, twice the storage of the Ally, and 24 GB of high-speed RAM.
- Will Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 be available on Xbox Game Pass?
- Yes, “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7” will be included in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass from day one.
- What makes the story of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 unique?
- Activision describes “Black Ops 7” as the most intricate story in the series to date, set in a dystopian future with returning characters and advanced technology.
- How does the new Xbox handheld compete with Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck?
- The Xbox handhelds aim to combine the performance of an Xbox with the flexibility of Windows, offering a seamless gaming experience across multiple platforms, directly challenging the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
- What other games were highlighted at the Xbox Games Showcase?
- Other highlights included “The Outer Worlds 2,” “Gears of War: Reloaded,” “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of the Giant (DLC),” “Grounded 2,” “Ninja Gaiden 4,” “Resonance – A Plague Taler legacy,” and a “Persona 4” remake.
What are your thoughts on the new Call of Duty setting and the Xbox handhelds? Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below!
