Mike Ybarra on Battlefield 6 vs. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
In a bold prediction, Mike Ybarra, CEO of the daily fantasy sports betting platform PrizePicks and former president of Blizzard Entertainment, has shared his insights regarding the imminent competition between Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Ybarra believes that EA’s upcoming shooter will significantly outperform Call of Duty this fall, ultimately benefiting stormy the landscape of first-person shooters (FPS).
Ybarra’s Confident Assertion
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ybarra expressed his confidence, stating, “Battlefield will boot stomp CoD this year.” He further noted, “But the real win here is CoD won’t be lazy anymore, and we’ll all get better FPS games for it, ” implying that healthy competition will elevate the quality of both franchises.
Battlefield will boot stomp CoD this year. But the real win here is CoD won’t be lazy anymore, and we’ll all get better FPS games for it.
— Mike Ybarra 😇 (@Qwik) August 8, 2025
Critique of Call of Duty
In a follow-up response, Ybarra elaborated on his longstanding concerns regarding the Call of Duty franchise, which he argues has been in decline since 2016. He criticized the series for issues such as cheating, cumbersome user interfaces, and vibrantly distracting graphics, stating, “People are sick of it. Luckily BF will force them to change it.” This candor illustrates Ybarra’s desire for more compelling games in the FPS genre.
Addressing Claims of Bitterness
When accused of harboring bitterness towards the franchise, Ybarra refuted this claim, emphasizing that the anticipated success of Battlefield would motivate Call of Duty to improve. He shared his sentiments on leadership and the difficulties that arise in game development, highlighting a need for better management in the industry. He expressed disappointment regarding the state of team leadership that often results in layoffs and mishaps.
Ybarra’s Leadership Background
Ybarra’s perspective is noteworthy considering his extensive experience at Blizzard and Microsoft, where he witnessed and participated in pivotal company decisions. His departure from both companies followed significant layoffs at Activision Blizzard King in 2024, shortly after Microsoft finalized its acquisition of the gaming giant. While the narrative surrounding leadership is complex, Ybarra’s insights contribute to ongoing discussions about corporate responsibility within the gaming world.
Future of First-Person Shooters
The upcoming battle between Battlefield 6 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 could reshape the FPS market, pushing developers to innovate and elevate their standards. A successful launch of Battlefield 6 is critical, as it is scheduled to release on October 10, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. The title has already made a promising start, achieving a record concurrent player count on Steam during its open beta, outpacing Call of Duty.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the excitement surrounding Battlefield 6 serves as a catalyst for competition that could lead to better experiences for gamers. With Ybarra’s predictions and critiques echoing across the community, fans are left to wonder about the future of their favorite shooter franchises.
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