Activision is shaking things up in the Call of Duty franchise by breaking old traditions and bringing big-name stars to the forefront of its latest installment.
At the end of the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was officially unveiled as the next entry in the long-running series. Developed by Treyarch in collaboration with Raven Software, the game marks the first time two Black Ops titles are released back-to-back, with Black Ops 6 launching just last fall.
Set in 2035 With a Star-Studded Cast
According to Variety, Black Ops 7 is set in the year 2035, more than four decades after the events of Black Ops 6. The game features a notable cast of Hollywood talent, including:
- Milo Ventimiglia as David Mason, a returning character introduced in Black Ops 2
- Kiernan Shipka as Emma Keegan, a powerful new character
- Michael Rooker reprising his role as Mike Harper, also from Black Ops 2
This move marks a significant shift for the franchise, which historically leaned on fictional characters rather than recognizable actors.
Production Unaffected by Ongoing SAG-AFTRA Strike
Despite the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike affecting several major game publishers—including Activision—Variety confirmed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has not been impacted. The game’s production has continued without delay or disruption.
Activision Explains Casting Choices
Tyler Bahl, Activision’s Head of Marketing, praised the casting of Ventimiglia as David Mason, calling the character “one of the franchise’s icons” and a fan favorite from Black Ops 2.
Shipka’s character, Emma Keegan, is described as the CEO of an organization called “The Guild”, and her performance is expected to leave a strong impression. Meanwhile, Rooker’s return to the franchise is a welcome surprise for longtime fans.
Co-Op Campaign and Zombies Mode Confirmed
Staying true to its roots, Black Ops 7 will include:
- A cooperative campaign mode
- The return of the popular Zombies mode, following the formula of Black Ops 6
Multi-Platform Release and Day-One Game Pass Access
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to launch on:
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X|S
- PlayStation 4 & 5
- PC via Xbox PC, Battle.net, and Steam
Even more exciting, the game will be available day one through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, making it more accessible to millions of players worldwide.
