On July 16, Activision implemented a mandatory age verification system for all Call of Duty players, requiring users to add their date of birth to their Activision accounts to continue playing titles such as Black Ops 6 and Warzone. Accounts belonging to underage players who fail to provide a valid birthdate or secure parental consent may face deletion within four months of the request.
New Policy Tied to Community Conduct
The age verification system arrived alongside a Warzone update that included bug fixes and balance changes. According to Activision, the move is part of its ongoing initiative “to deliver a positive community experience,” as outlined in the Call of Duty Code of Conduct. Once provided, a player’s birthdate becomes linked to their Activision account, and those below the required age are expected to obtain parental approval to retain access to the franchise. Otherwise, Activision has warned, their accounts will be permanently removed after a grace period of four months.
While players have long seen age checks when accessing mature-rated content on services like Steam, Activision’s stricter enforcement drew immediate reactions from the community. Some expressed concerns that this could pave the way for even more intrusive verification measures, such as requiring official identification in the future. Others speculated about possible workarounds, though no reliable methods have yet emerged to bypass the system.
Weapon Adjustments and Bug Fixes in July 16 Update
The same patch that introduced the age verification requirement also included changes to two Marksman Rifles in Warzone. The DM-10, which was previously nerfed, saw its minimum and maximum range reduced further along with other damage adjustments. Meanwhile, the TR2 received broad reductions to bullet velocity, aim down sight speed, and sprint-to-fire speed. The update also resolved various issues affecting Ranked Play and the Plunder game mode, improving overall gameplay stability.
Community Response and Future Outlook
This latest change comes as the Call of Duty series continues to generate headlines, both for its controversial Beavis and Butt-Head crossover and for the highly anticipated Black Ops 7 reveal slated for Gamescom later this summer. With mixed reactions to the new policies, it remains unclear if Activision will adjust or clarify the age verification requirements in response to player feedback.
For now, players who wish to keep their accounts safe are advised to comply with the birthdate request promptly and, if necessary, ensure parental consent is granted. As the franchise moves toward its next chapter, the community will be watching closely to see how these policies evolve.
