Treyarch has rolled out the first-ever cel-shaded operator skin in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, introducing a bold anime-inspired aesthetic to the game. The skin’s release comes amid ongoing community criticism over the inclusion of overly stylized, unrealistic cosmetics in Season 1.
A Controversial Addition to Black Ops 6
Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 1 launched on November 14, bringing a host of new content, including maps, game modes, weapons, and cosmetics. While the season has been praised for its fresh content, the game’s operator skins have drawn criticism for veering away from the 1990s realism fans expect.
The controversy intensified with the release of the Cruiser operator skin for Alvarez, available as part of the Tracer Pack: Snowtime Showtime bundle for 2,000 COD Points. The cel-shaded design transforms Alvarez into an anime-style skier, complete with bright chartreuse eyes and purple hair.
Divided Opinions
The community remains split over this new addition:
- Supporters see it as a refreshing and creative inclusion, breaking away from the game’s traditional aesthetic.
- Critics argue that it undermines the gritty realism that Black Ops 6 should uphold, comparing it to Fortnite-style skins.
- Requests for Change include calls for skins that align with the game’s 1990s setting or reintroducing collaborations like Call of Duty’s Gundam event.
What’s in the Bundle?
The Cruiser operator skin bundle includes:
- Anime-inspired weapon blueprints:
- Polar Rip for the Goblin MK2 Assault Rifle
- Halfpipe Handler for the Kompakt 92 SMG
- Additional content:
- A double XP token
- Unique weapon camos featuring anime-styled skiers
The bundle’s cosmetics are usable in both Black Ops 6 and Warzone.
Community Feedback and What’s Next
Before the release of the Cruiser skin, backlash centered on the shark-themed bundle, with players expressing disappointment over the lack of operator skins fitting the game’s 1990s time frame. As criticism mounts, it remains unclear how Treyarch will balance creative freedom with the community’s desire for period-accurate cosmetics.
The addition of the Cruiser skin highlights a growing divide between developers’ creative decisions and players’ expectations. Whether Treyarch will adjust future cosmetics to appease fans remains to be seen.
