The battle between Activision and EA has reached new heights as both companies make strategic moves to captivate first-person shooter enthusiasts. Activision has rolled out a free trial of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer and Zombies, coinciding with EA’s release of the much-anticipated Battlefield battle royale, REDSEC.
The Showdown Begins
October 27 marked a thrilling day for FPS fans, as EA confirmed the surprise launch of the battle royale mode, REDSEC, which went live today, October 28, at 8am PT / 11am ET. Meanwhile, Activision announced a free trial for Black Ops 6 Multiplayer and Zombies, running from today 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
The timing of Activision’s free trial alongside Battlefield’s release has sparked debate among fans. Some believe it’s a pre-planned move to align with the Halloween update of Black Ops 6, while others see it as a strategic play against EA. Last month’s significant Black Ops 6 trial, which coincided with the Battlefield 6 launch, only adds fuel to this rivalry.
A Battle of Strategies
This latest development is part of an intense competition between Activision and EA, as both giants aim to capture the gaming community’s attention during this holiday season. In a previous shock, Activision announced that items from Black Ops 6 wouldn’t carry over to Black Ops 7, a move believed to be influenced by Battlefield 6’s more realistic approach.
Developer DICE has committed to maintaining a gritty realism for Battlefield 6, contrasting with Call of Duty’s known penchant for playful skins. In a recent discussion, Battlefield 6’s design director emphasized the game’s focus on authenticity, distancing it from the likes of Call of Duty’s famous Nicki Minaj skin.
The Competitive Edge
Recently, EA ramped up its marketing efforts for Battlefield 6, directly targeting Call of Duty with a bold live-action trailer. In response, Activision extended the Black Ops 7 open beta to coincide closely with Battlefield 6’s release, showcasing the fierce rivalry between these two franchises.
Both games are pivotal for their respective companies. Battlefield 6 launched ahead of Call of Duty, challenging the latter’s dominance with its battle royale mode. With Black Ops 7 launching on November 14, the gaming world watches to see which publisher will ultimately prevail in this heated battle.