The rivalry between gaming giants Activision and EA hit its peak on October 28, 2025. As EA launched the free-to-play Battle Royale mode Battlefield: REDSEC, Activision made a bold move by reopening free access to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Multiplayer and Zombies modes.

This was a strategic counterattack designed to escalate competition and keep players engaged within their own ecosystems.

Why the Same Day? Tactical Moves in the FPS Arena

This marks the second time this year Activision has lined up a major release with a rival’s big launch—clearly aiming to split REDSEC’s potential player base.

Activision’s Triple Strategy:

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

2. Set the Stage for Black Ops 7: End free access just before the November launch of Black Ops 7, nudging trial players toward the new release.

3. Maintain Market Dominance: Send a clear message against Battlefield’s attempt to expand with a free-to-play model.

The Winner? Gamers!

Battlefield: REDSEC opens up a free gateway to the franchise, while Black Ops 6 offers a full multiplayer experience—even if for a limited time.

In the end, it’s the players who win. For the next week, FPS fans get to enjoy the best both franchises have to offer—all at once.

So, what will you choose this week? Hunting zombies in Black Ops 6, or fighting for survival in REDSEC?