In a surprising development for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Activision has introduced a new feature that allows players to communicate directly with enemy players they’ve taken hostage as “body shields” via voice chat. This feature was revealed during the Call of Duty Next event and represents a significant change in how body shields function in the game. Players can now not only use enemies as shields but also engage them in conversation through the in-game voice chat system.
The announcement of this feature has sparked considerable concern and anticipation within the gaming community. Treyarch, the game’s developer, acknowledged the potential for misuse by urging players to “be nice” in their interactions. However, many players are skeptical about the feasibility of maintaining civility in what is often a highly competitive and aggressive gaming environment. The introduction of this feature is seen by some as a recipe for increased toxicity, with players expecting a surge in negative behavior.
The reaction to this announcement on social media reflects a mix of excitement and apprehension. Some players are enthusiastic about the new trolling possibilities it offers, while others are worried about the impact of encountering rude or disruptive behavior from opponents. The general sentiment seems to be one of both curiosity and concern about how this feature will influence the overall gaming experience.
With Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 set to release on October 25, the community’s focus is already shifting towards how this new feature will play out in real matches. The anticipation is building, and the potential for chaos is high as players prepare to explore the implications of communicating with their in-game captives. The feature could lead to unexpected interactions and a new layer of strategy or disruption in gameplay.
In addition to the new body shield feature, Activision has also announced other updates for the Call of Duty franchise. Warzone will see the return of the classic Verdansk map in 2025, and a new Resurgence map named Area 99 will be introduced soon. While the beloved Nuketown map is not included in Black Ops 6, these updates highlight Activision’s ongoing efforts to keep the Call of Duty experience fresh and engaging for its players.