The rivalry between gaming giants Activision and EA reached its peak on 28 October 2025. While EA launched the free-to-play Battle Royale mode Battlefield: REDSEC, Activision countered by reopening free access to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6's Multiplayer and Zombies modes.

This is a strategic move to escalate the competition and keep their player base engaged.

Why the Same Day? The Battle of Moves

For the second time this year, Activision has timed its flagship title's free period to coincide with a major rival launch, aiming to split REDSEC's potential player base.

Activision’s Three Main Goals:

1. Attract Players from REDSEC: Keep players within the CoD ecosystem with the latest The Haunting event and Zombies content, instead of letting them try out the new permanent Battle Royale.

2. Build Hype for Black Ops 7: End the free access just before the November launch of Black Ops 7, nudging trial players to move on to the new title.

3. Maintain Market Dominance: Take a firm stand against Battlefield’s potential to grow with its new free-to-play model.

The Winner? Gamers!

Battlefield: REDSEC opens a free gateway to the franchise, while Black Ops 6 delivers a complete MP experience—even if just for a week.

In this battle, gamers come out on top. For the next week, FPS fans get to experience the best both franchises have to offer—side by side.

So, what’s your pick this week? Zombie hunting in Black Ops 6 or surviving in REDSEC?