Black Ops 7’s Holiday Bundle Sparks a Fresh Argument About Silly Skins

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is once again at the centre of a community debate over its cosmetic skins after a new Christmas-themed outfit was added to the in-game store, splitting player opinion. 

In recent years, the inclusion of outlandish and cartoonish skins in Call of Duty has become one of the most talked-about issues among fans. While some players enjoy imaginative and festive outfits, others argue they conflict with the series’ traditionally gritty, military tone. 

This controversy resurfaced after the Sinister Solstice bundle went live. The pack features a seasonal skin for the character Nikolai, transforming him with a creepy snowman mask, glowing eyes and a Christmas hat. Although this design is less over-the-top than past crossover cosmetics seen in Black Ops 6, many players feel it still clashes with the mood Treyarch was promising for Black Ops 7. 

Some fans criticized the decision, pointing out that this holiday skin feels out of step with earlier comments from developers about keeping the game’s cosmetic offerings more “authentic.” Critics have taken to social channels expressing disbelief, saying things like “What happened to no more goofy skins?” and comparing the move to games with a more whimsical aesthetic. 

On the other side of the discussion, defenders of the new outfit argue that it’s just a fun seasonal addition and doesn’t detract from gameplay. They note that developers never strictly promised only military-style skins, and that a bit of holiday spirit can be a welcome change during seasonal events. 

The debate highlights a broader divide within the Call of Duty community about where the line should be drawn between creative flair and maintaining a grounded visual style. With more events and possible crossover content rumoured on the horizon, this conversation is likely to continue for some time.