The hype train for 2024’s anticipated new Call of Duty release from Treyarch has left the station, with fans poring over a recent Microsoft teaser that they believe reveals the game’s title – Call of Duty: Black Ops V.
In announcing its upcoming Xbox Games Showcase in June, Microsoft also teased a separate “Direct” showcase focused on unveiling a specific, high-profile game. The imagery included a blurred or redacted title in the bottom portion.
However, observant Call of Duty fans didn’t let that stop them from attempting to decode the obfuscated text. Numerous fans have analyzed and enhanced the redacted section, convincing themselves that the words hidden match up perfectly with “Call of Duty: Black Ops V.”
We’re going to be talking about games of course
Tune in to the Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct on Sunday, June 9 @ 10am PT: https://t.co/z78G8h75r2 | #XboxShowcase pic.twitter.com/XgOGJy2gLv
— Xbox (@Xbox) April 30, 2024
The crux of the “Black Ops V” theory stems from fans claiming they can distinctly make out the letters “OPS” visible in the censored text. Factor in the lone pixel to the immediate right of the blurred area, which some believe indicates the Roman numeral V rather than the number 5, and you have the supposed full “Black Ops V” title.
If accurate, it would continue the recent Black Ops naming convention of using Roman numerals, following 2020’s Black Ops Cold War, which curiously used “IIII” instead of IV. However, “Black Ops V” would be an unconventional label, as this 2024 release is actually expected to be the sixth mainline installment in the subseries after Black Ops 4.
Black Ops V only seems suitable 😉 https://t.co/ggCMOJbmSk pic.twitter.com/cHs7DbBBWL
— Desire (@Deziah) April 30, 2024
The “V” could signal Treyarch’s intent to reboot and streamline the Black Ops brand with this new release, eschewing storylines and narratives from previous entries. Rumors suggest this new game will be set against the backdrop of the Gulf War in the early 1990s.
Some speculation even indicates the full intended title may have been Call of Duty: Black Ops Gulf War before opting for the punchier “Black Ops V” to avoid overtly referencing the real-world military conflict.
Here’s some better versions made by @omgFawzi that give a better look at what BO5’s teaser should look like uncensored pic.twitter.com/m8OP8vy3IP
— Forward (@ForwardLeaks) April 30, 2024
Of course, these are all just theories for now from an excitable Call of Duty fanbase that has kicked its collective overanalyzing prowess into overdrive. All will likely be revealed when Microsoft shows off the still officially untitled game during its dedicated “Direct” event in June.
But whether it does end up being called Call of Duty: Black Ops V or something else entirely, there’s no denying that anticipation and conspiracy-minded prognostication is officially at a fever pitch for Treyarch’s next AAA Call of Duty offering.
