Although we already know about the DLC, Season Pass, and other microtransactions, Activision is gearing up to launch a new form of monetization in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and it's likely to cause a lot of hype.
Pay for the best audio experience
Earlier this month, the company announced that Call of Duty Black Ops 6 will support HRTF, a technology from Embody that aims to enhance audio immersion for headphone users, by creating a personal profile that takes into account the player's physical attributes, such as the shape of Their ears or their heads.
The advancements in audio go even further as the game uses HRTF (Head Related Transfer Function) technology to better simulate how sound is transmitted from the game world to the player's ears.
[…]Enhanced Headphone Mode uses Embody's Immersive Spatial Audio technology to increase the directional accuracy of sounds played in the world. Immersive spatial audio is compatible with any headphone or earphone model and dramatically enhances the player's spatial audio experience.
However, to take full advantage of this technology, you will have to pay to get the best audio experience.
The game's “Headphone Enhanced” mode includes a global HRTF profile created specifically for the Call of Duty audio environment. Optionally, players can choose to enhance this HRTF experience by creating a personal profile that takes into account the player's physical attributes, such as ear or head shape. This customization can be accessed in-game and completed using the Embody customization portal.
Just a pay-to-win feature?
As evidenced by several images circulating on Twitter, it is indeed possible to create your HRTF profile and try it for free for a limited time of 30 days, but you then have to pay $19.99 to continue using it.
The custom profile analyzes the unique shape of your head and ears for accurate sound. The global profile assumes a moderate response. Create your profile above.
To continue using your profile after the trial period, visit Embody's Immerse game store.
Obviously the news is being received very poorly by players, and we understand it. In fact, the audio experience plays a very important role in Call of Duty, especially in multiplayer, and locking the best audio experience behind a paywall is a big hassle.
This technology will also be available in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, but also at the launch of the first season of Call of Duty: Warzone, which has often been criticized for its audio mix.
Do not hesitate to express your opinions on the topic in the comments. Remember, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will release on Friday, October 25 on Xbox One, Xbox Series
There have been some tweets about “paid” audio in Black Ops 6. Some details:
Embody, a third-party audio company, has partnered with Black Ops 6 on a special audio feature. The global profile is free for all players to use in game settings.
Embody also offers a custom collection… pic.twitter.com/WbkahoBCF2
– Charlie Intel (@CharlieIntel) October 23, 2024
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