Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’s Recurring Cannabis Content Confirmed by ESRB Rating

Details from the ESRB rating for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 confirm that the upcoming game will continue the series` recurring theme of marijuana references.

According to the ESRB description, certain in-game weapons will display `marijuana/joints/paraphernalia,` and character operators may be depicted `inhaling through bongs during execution sequences.` These elements are presumed to be cosmetic, given Call of Duty`s history of extensive cannabis-themed downloadable content. It`s currently unclear whether popular in-game items and operator bundles from Black Ops 6, such as the Seth Rogen-inspired pack, will transfer to Black Ops 7 upon its release later this year.

The Call of Duty franchise has consistently integrated marijuana themes over several years, offering a variety of related DLC. For instance, iconic stoner duo Cheech and Chong were featured in Modern Warfare 3, which also included a sloth-themed cosmetic bundle involving cannabis. Furthermore, Black Ops 6 introduced a unique Nuketown map, dubbed `Blazetown,` specifically designed around the 4/20 theme.

ESRB Rating Details and Campaign Overview

Aside from the cannabis elements, the ESRB rating for Black Ops 7 confirms its `M` (Mature) designation due to content featuring `blood and gore, intense violence, strong language, suggestive themes, and drug use.` The rating summary further reveals that the game`s campaign narrative will center on players` efforts to `thwart a powerful tech magnate.`

The ESRB also details that `battles are realistic and frenetic, characterized by gunfire, screams of pain, and blood-splatter effects.` It notes that `some levels feature execution moves/sequences, such as repeatedly stabbing an enemy in the chest, throat, or torso,` and that `certain weapons can cause characters to explode into bloody chunks.`

Black Ops 7 is a collaborative development between Treyarch and Raven Software, who also served as key co-developers for Black Ops 6, released in 2024. This marks an unprecedented move by Activision, releasing two new Black Ops titles in successive years. A worldwide reveal for Black Ops 7 is anticipated at Gamescom in August, potentially followed by the Call of Duty Next event in September.

In other news concerning competitive titles, reports indicate that EA and DICE are set to unveil Battlefield 6 on July 31st.