Activision started the gameplay reveal trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 with a quote, emphasizing a new campaign set in the Gulf War era. The game will feature twelve new 6v6 maps and four new 2v2 maps at launch.
In addition to the new maps, players can expect to see the omnimovement system, allowing for dynamic movement in any direction. This new mechanic is expected to enhance gameplay and become a series staple, although competitive players may need to adjust to significant changes.
Last year, OU’s Call of Duty Team placed 16th out of over 250 programs in the College Call of Duty League. To improve their ranking, the team must quickly master the new gameplay mechanics and meta changes introduced in Black Ops 6.
Team member Tate Rains (T8) commented, “The movement is pretty new so everyone is still getting used to it. I think when everyone gets used to the movement, it’s [going to] have a big skill gap. The last two games we played haven’t had that.”
Another team member, Kendon Sitton (Kensei), praised the game’s beta, stating it shows promise compared to previous titles such as Modern Warfare 3, Modern Warfare 2, and Call of Duty: Vanguard.
The introduction of the omnimovement system has been well-received by the COD community. Fans appreciate the balanced approach to added movement mechanics, in contrast to previous titles like Black Ops III and Infinite Warfare.
While movement mechanics are crucial to gameplay, gun mechanics also play a significant role. The beta showcased new weapons like the Ames 85 and the Jackal, both SMGs. However, players noted that some guns required balancing adjustments for fair gameplay.
Although there are concerns within the competitive community about fine-tuning the game for release, Activision is expected to address these issues before the official release date on October 25th.
Feedback from the online COD community focused more on the maps rather than gun mechanics. However, OU’s team expressed optimism about the map designs and their potential for competitive play.
With new additions and adjustments required for competition, OU’s Esports team remains confident in their abilities and looks forward to a successful year ahead.
The team is currently fundraising through the “2024 University of Oklahoma Call of Duty Challenge” to support their league dues and participate in more in-person events. They will also host a fundraising marathon on October 26, 2024, featuring special guests and interactive elements for donors.
