Recent reports claim that James Harden unintentionally confirms Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. His baseball cap flaunts the sequel's speculated logo.
Ahead of his team's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harden wore a baseball cap with what seems to have "IIII" logo in orange. The symbol looks much like the franchise's previous designs.
Additionally, fans noted that the logo on the side indicated that it was made by New Era, an apparel manufacturer that also released merchandise for previous installments of the popular shooter from Activision. ESPN posted the video clip on Twitter, and gamers noticed the mark immediately.
Marketing Methods
Even before Harden's video went viral, video game industry insiders already suggested that Activision has plans to release the fourth installment of its beloved Black Ops series.
Furthermore, rumors also have it that the 2018 shooter will no longer feature a futuristic theme as it reportedly irked some of the biggest fans of the series. Reportedly, some hints indicate that it will go back to its "boots-on-the-ground" gameplay just like before.
Therefore, journalists believe that Harden's baseball cap is meant to be a form of viral marketing for the upcoming FPS. If it is any indication, it appears that the promotional campaign has begun earlier this year.
The Beard has arrived, and he's ready for battle with the Thunder. pic.twitter.com/ky3E8TK9Hy — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 7, 2018
New Details Revealed
Reports point out that a video game website got a confirmation from its sources that Harden's apparel is indeed official. In fact, the logo featured on his cap is also official, according to the insider.
What is not completely established, however, is the type of gameplay for the next Black Ops title. The wall-running and jetpack mechanic in the past COD game did not go well with gamers.
Yet, a confirmation that Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 will feature a near-future setting will most likely frustrate those who hated its predecessor.
Dealing With The Competition
Some analysts point out that Activision should listen clearly to its fans and deliver something that will appeal to their tastes. Destiny 2, for example, has lost a large number of its players due to unwanted changes to its core gameplay.
It's also worth mentioning that EA is expected to release its follow-up to Battlefield 1 around the same time Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is expected to launch. Moreover, Rockstar's highly anticipated Red Dead Redemption 2 is likewise scheduled to come out later this year.
Fans should expect to see and hear more about the next installment at E3 2018. Most of the biggest names in video games will showcase new announcements. The leak, courtesy of James Harden, seems to be the beginning of the Activision's effort to promote the next Call of Duty game.
