Call of Duty is becoming a bit famous for the plethora of microtransactions that you can choose from, with skins galore being made available in the store.
But, even fans of the franchise were taken back when a Black Ops 6 audio subscription was revealed, leaving many wondering if you actually have to pay for proper sound in the game.
Here, we’ll take a look at this confusing audio subscription for Black Ops 6 and whether its something you’ll need to invest in.
What is the Black Ops 6 audio subscription and do you need it?
This new audio feature is called Enhanced Headphone Mode, designed to give you a more immersive sound experience using third-party technology from a company called Embody.
This option claims to improve the directional accuracy of in-game sounds, helping you better locate enemies or events in the game. However, this enhanced audio experience comes with a choice: stick with the free, basic version or pay for a personalized sound profile.
This paid option costs $20 and you can unlock a five-year license for a personalized sound profile through Embody’s Immerse Spatial Audio technology.
You have to pay for good audio in call of duty black ops 6. 😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/BiMbkW6Ox6
— Omeqa (@Omeqa_) October 21, 2024
This paid version uses data about your specific ear shape, creating a sound profile tailored to you, enhancing the game’s spatial audio beyond the universal free option.
As previously alluded to, this is used for more accurate placement of sounds, which can be especially helpful in multiplayer, where audio cues like footsteps or gunfire direction can make a significant difference.
Although $20 for a five-year license is reasonable, opinions on whether Embody’s spatial audio is truly superior are mixed.
Some Final Fantasy XIV fans, where the service has been available for a while, have expressed dissatisfaction, comparing it to similar technologies like Dolby Atmos, which some say offers comparable spatial audio without the extra cost.
If you’re someone who values every competitive edge in multiplayer and believes that personalized audio could improve your reaction time and awareness, then Embody’s Immerse technology might be worth trying.
However, for casual players or those who aren’t convinced of its added value, the free in-game profile may be more than enough.
Regardless, there is a 30-day free trial available, letting you experience the enhanced audio before committing to a purchase, so you can give it a go and see if it’s worth the extra cash.