Is CoD still a hit with gamers?

As we approach the usual time for Call Of Duty rumors to start swirling, a reader pointed out that there have been no leaks lately. It's likely because Activision has cracked down on leakers. I wonder why they chose now to do that, after all this time.

Could it be because Black Ops 7 was so poorly received and didn't sell well? Perhaps they're trying to build up excitement by keeping the game under wraps until closer to its release. But I can't help but feel that the Call Of Duty franchise is struggling to generate hype.

The last rumor suggested another Modern Warfare game, this time set in Korea. But I don't think that's enough to make the franchise exciting again. And I'm willing to bet it will have the same old extraction mode.

It feels like it's been ages since Black Ops 7, and the franchise has only become less relevant since then. I don't think it's as popular or trendy as it used to be, and it will take more than another Modern Warfare game to turn that around. On a different note, it seems like Elden Ring will be filming at Conway Castle in North Wales next month.

I pass by there every day on my way to work, so I'm hoping to catch a glimpse of what they're using the location for. It's a bit surreal to see my local news mentioning Castle Morne and Stormveil, but I guess that means the journalist knows their stuff. I'll definitely send in some pictures if I see anything interesting.

In other news, I'm excited to hear about the changes to Game Pass prices. I haven't paid for Ultimate in over five years, thanks to Microsoft Reward Points. Although I can't earn points for playing on a PC, as I don't have one, I've been diligently collecting points and exchanging them for Ultimate subscriptions.

But recently, they removed that option and now I have a ton of gift card credit waiting for the new lower price. Points really do make prizes! I'm also curious to know what GameCentral and its readers think about the upcoming Life Is Strange TV series.

Personally, I'm more concerned about the writing and how they capture the feel of Arcadia Bay with the scenery and soundtrack. And let's not forget the iconic songs like Syd Matters' "To All Of You" and Angus and Julia Stone's music. I'm also curious to see how they incorporate the choice mechanic from the game.

Will viewers have to vote using their TV remotes or phones? If they mess this up, there will definitely be consequences. Lastly, I wanted to clear up some confusion about the Epic Games Store and its free games.

There are separate apps for PC and mobile, and sometimes they offer different games each week. I've been enjoying some great titles like Stone Of Madness and Broken Sword The Shadows Of The Templar: Reforged. And for those wondering about the rumored PS5 Pro, I have a Pro and it's been great for me, but it's not for everyone.

It's designed for performance and not graphics, although the recent PSSR update has improved its graphics capabilities. But if you're happy with the base PS5, you might want to wait for a sale instead of shelling out for the Pro. Will Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 redeem itself this year?

Many fans are skeptical, as there have been no rumors about the game for months. It's unusual for this time of year, when rumors typically start swirling. Some speculate that this is due to Activision cracking down on leaks.

It's a bit puzzling why they would choose to do so now, after all these years, but it's likely due to the negative reception and poor sales of Black Ops 7. Stopping rumors may help build hype for the next game, but it's questionable if it will be enough to salvage the franchise's popularity. The last rumor suggested that the next game would be yet another Modern Warfare, this time set in Korea.

While this may not be enough to revive the franchise, it's highly likely that it will include an extraction mode. It seems like ages since Black Ops 7 was released, and it has only become less relevant since then. The franchise no longer holds the same popularity and appeal it once did, and it will take more than another Modern Warfare to turn things around.

In other news, it appears that Elden Ring will be filming in Conway Castle in North Wales next month. One reader, who passes the castle on their way to work, hopes to catch a glimpse of the production. It's strange to see local news mentioning fictional locations, but it's a good sign that the journalist is familiar with the game.

Another reader shares good news about Game Pass pricing changes, stating that they haven't paid for Ultimate in over five years thanks to Microsoft Rewards Points. They were previously able to redeem points for one month of Ultimate, but that option was removed in September. They now have enough points to cover the new, lower price of £16.99 for the upcoming month.

Truly, points make prizes. Moving on to a different topic, a reader asks for opinions on the upcoming Life Is Strange TV series. They hope that the show will capture the essence of the game through its writing, scenery, and soundtrack.

They also wonder how the show will incorporate the game's choice mechanic. Will viewers be able to vote using their remotes or phones during key moments? The reader also expresses their desire to hear certain songs from the game featured in the show.

Finally, a reader clarifies the confusion surrounding free games on the Epic Games Store. There are separate apps for PC and mobile devices, and sometimes the same game is available for both platforms and sometimes they are different. The reader also notes that the mobile app is not available on Google Play Store, so it must be downloaded from a separate link.

They also share their experience with getting the Epic Games Store to work on different devices and offer helpful tips and insights. Another reader chimes in with their experience with the PS5 Pro, stating that it's not the machine for someone seeking improved graphics, but it does offer a better overall performance and is a significant upgrade from the PlayStation 4 and Switch 2. They suggest waiting for a sale to purchase a base PlayStation 5 and a Switch 2, as the current price of the PS5 Pro is quite steep.