Call of Duty is back, and it's got a battle on its hands

There are some things you can always rely on, and a new Call of Duty game coming out each year is one of them.

As one of the best-known names in video games, it's a series that needs little introduction.

According to publisher Activision, it's sold an estimated 500 million copies, a movie adaptation is on the way, and despite having launched in 2003 it still reliably appears at - or near - the top of the annual bestseller charts.

But this year the world's top military shooter might have a fight on its hands.

Battlefield 6, which has been a huge hit for rival gaming giant Electronic Arts, has been drawing attention away from its veteran competitor.

And long-time Call of Duty fans have been increasingly vocal over worries about the series losing touch with its roots.

The clash of the multiplayer titans comes at an interesting time for the makers of Call of Duty, who've had to issue responses to fan concerns about the series losing its way.

It has long offered players the chance to purchase "operator skins" that change their character's appearance.

They're a frequent source of brand crossovers, and previous designs have been based on stars including footballer Neymar Jr, streamer NickMercs and rapper Nicki Minaj.

But when Activision revealed skins based on 90s cartoon characters Beavis and Butthead earlier this year, there was a backlash.

Fans accused the company of trying to mimic Fortnite, the ever-popular multiplayer game famous for its sometimes unlikely crossovers, which have included pop star Sabrina Carpenter and an AI-voiced Darth Vader in 2025.

Activision said the feedback from fans "hit home" and that it took the complaints about the series losing its identity seriously.

It's also being released after parent company Microsoft increased prices of its Game Pass subscription service by 20%, angering many players.

But Call of Duty's campaigns, no matter how well-crafted or explosive they are, aren't the main reason players turn up for the series each year.

The game owes its long-running success to the popularity of its multiplayer modes, and the performance of Black Ops 7 will be judged on whether they succeed.

When they're asked if Battlefield's impressive player numbers affect their approach to development, Natalie and Stephanie insist they're only focused on making Black Ops 7 "the best game it can be".

As for what it offers that Battlefield can't, Stephanie says, without directly comparing the two, that Call of Duty has "variety and volume" of experiences to offer.

"But more broadly, she says, "I see games as a way for people to connect, to have fun.

"They are certainly responsible for some awesome relationships in my life.

"I hope that people continue to forge those connections and bonds and relationships and there's just more of us playing games together in however many years from now."

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.