A heated backlash erupted in the Call of Duty community following the release of a new skin based on Seth Rogen in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, as dissatisfied players took to social media on May 1, 2025, to voice their objections. The introduction of the Seth Rogen operator and skin, unveiled as part of the High Art Event Pass and launching alongside the Black Ops 6 Blaze of Glory event, has quickly become a lightning rod for criticism, with players debating the suitability of celebrity tie-ins and cannabis-themed content in the traditionally military-focused shooter franchise.
Seth Rogen, a Canadian comedian well-known for his association with cannabis culture and his distinctive comedic presence, was chosen as the focal point of Black Ops 6’s latest content drop. Since its initial announcement, the collaboration drew immediate attention, with many wondering how Rogen’s persona would meld with the serious, action-driven atmosphere that Call of Duty is known for. The Seth Rogen skin was introduced in both Black Ops 6 and the battle royale title Warzone, as part of an expansive celebration themed around April 20th, in line with the unofficial cannabis holiday “4/20.”
The content associated with Seth Rogen’s arrival includes an operator skin called “Fired Up,” which features clothing decorated with marijuana leaf motifs, and introduces Rogen as the host of the Blaze of Glory in-game event. In this limited-time event, players can earn rewards such as calling cards, decals, weapon charms, and emotes—many of which continue the cannabi-centric theme. While these special event skins and characters are not new to Call of Duty, which has previously featured pop culture icons and crossover content, the inclusion of Seth Rogen has placed a new spotlight on the franchise’s approach to authenticity and fan expectations.
Almost immediately after the release, platforms like Reddit and Twitter were inundated with critical responses from the Call of Duty fanbase. Many players argued that focusing on a comedic celebrity such as Seth Rogen, as well as drug-related humor, undermines the series’ roots as a grounded military shooter. One widely-circulated post described the event as “lame,” echoing the concerns of those who feel that the franchise’s “unrealistic” content waves are at odds with what made the series popular. Another user, frustrated with the operator’s dialogue, noted,
“No funny voice clips or dialog for Seth Rogen, just weed jokes and nothing else. It’s a misrepresentation of what he can actually bring to the table as an artist.”
Other players focused their criticism on the High Art Event Pass, suggesting its content offers a reductionist portrayal of Seth Rogen by focusing solely on cannabis-themed humor.
“The skin’s entire personality is about weed and weed jokes, but Seth Rogen’s work is about more than that,”
commented one fan, highlighting the risk of flattening a celebrity’s identity for the sake of in-game branding.
The controversy over the Seth Rogen skin is not occurring in isolation. Call of Duty has seen a wave of crossover skins in recent years, including collaborations with franchises such as Mobile Suit Gundam, Warhammer 40,000, and Squid Game. Each time, segments of the community have expressed concerns that such crossovers dilute the authenticity of the game’s military setting.
“These silly crossovers and celebrity tie-ins just don’t fit,”
stated another player, referencing criticism spread in previous debates.
Yet, not all reactions have been negative. Some fans have expressed appreciation for Seth Rogen’s inclusion, seeing his famous laugh as an entertaining addition during gameplay moments. Others have pointed out Call of Duty’s longstanding relationship with stoner culture, recalling previous collaborations with Jay and Silent Bob or stoner comedy legends Cheech & Chong.
“Call of Duty hasn’t been serious in years,”
said one longtime player, urging fans to “lighten up” and enjoy the variety.
Amid the controversy, Black Ops 6 remains a substantial entry in the franchise, set in the early 1990s during the end of the Cold War. The game, developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, continues the series’ legacy as a high-intensity, narrative-driven shooter, offering both dynamic campaign moments and a robust multiplayer experience, including 16 new launch maps and the return of round-based Zombies mode. The ongoing addition of celebrity operators, such as Seth Rogen, reflects an ongoing strategy to expand the game’s cultural reach and provide fresh experiences for its large, diverse audience.
The current backlash over the Seth Rogen skin in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 exemplifies the tension between innovation and tradition that continues to shape the franchise’s future. As community debate intensifies, the game’s developers face the challenge of balancing creative content with fan expectations, knowing every new release carries the risk of division. The long-term impact of this controversy remains to be seen, but with Black Ops 6 aiming for major post-launch events and updates, how the franchise navigates audience feedback may determine the direction of celebrity tie-ins and event-based content for years to come.
