Black Ops 7 will not receive an early access launch

Helmet soldiers aiming weapons from Call of Duty Black Ops 7.

Vaspaan Dastoor is an editor for TheGamer. Previously worked at IGN India and constantly tries to get people to make time for LOTR marathons. He can be found giving hot takes to cold responses on @DastorVaspaan

Early access was used as a way for developers to get a stream of feedback from the community before launching the final version of their game. Games like Hades 2 and Baldur's Gate 3 have been extremely successful because they were developed based on Early Access feedback. However, it is now also a corporate money-making scheme that allows some players to get into the game a few days before the rest for a price.

This usually comes as one of the bonuses for buying the premium version of the title, along with various cosmetics and in-game currency. A recent Forbes article sparked rumors that the $100 Vault Edition of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will come with 72 hours of early access. However, Activision has clarified that there is no such offer now.

Black Ops 7 Vault Edition does not come with an early access period

Four soldiers in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 with red smoke around them.

The Forbes article has since been updated, with all mentions of early access removed after a conversation with an Activision representative (thanks, GamesRadar). The publisher also reiterated that no early access period was in the works, with the game launching on November 14 for all versions on all platforms.

Just to recap, Black Ops 7 Vault Edition only includes the base game, premium rewards including exclusive Zombies Mastercrafts, and early access to the BlackCell Premium Season Pass. You will be able to play the game with everyone else only on November 14th.

For a while, it looked like Battlefield 6 would overshadow this year's Call of Duty, but things may have changed after just one season of the dicey shooter. The huge wave of microtransaction options and a bunch of colorful new skins has left the community feeling a little cheated. Maybe Black Ops 7 will be able to capitalize on this and get some fans to jump ship. However, it's highly likely that Black Ops 7 will do the exact same thing in season one, so don't get your hopes up too high.