One thing has smelled a bit off about this yr’s Name of Obligation for the reason that earliest rumors of its growth. For the primary time in sequence historical past, CoD goes again to the sequel effectively after only one yr with a brand new Trendy Warfare 3. In one other break in custom, all multiplayer weapons, cosmetics, and development from Trendy Warfare 2 (2022) will carry over into MW3.
You may have a look at the unconventional, Name of Obligation smorgasbord-like make-up of Trendy Warfare 3 and decide that is merely Activision tinkering with the CoD formulation. Considered underneath the lens of a 2022 Bloomberg report claiming a brand new Name of Obligation sport would not be performed in time for 2023, the brand new Trendy Warfare 3 takes on a brand new mild. On the time, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier stated the plan was to launch extra MW2 content material to fill within the 2023 hole. When Activision later indicated it deliberate to launch a “premium” CoD in 2023, Schreier stated it may need “a lot of content material,” nevertheless it’ll be extra like a “paid enlargement” of MW2.
That stopgap challenge seems to have developed into Trendy Warfare 3, which isn’t a paid enlargement, however in truth a full $70 sport releasing November 10.
A dev weblog printed on the eve of MW3’s Warzone reveal occasion is squarely aimed on the impression that Trendy Warfare 3 will not be a real “premium launch.” Activision desires you to know MW3 is the actual deal, and it’s best to take into account its $70 price ticket enterprise as standard.
“Our imaginative and prescient to ship back-to-back Trendy Warfare video games has been years within the making,” the weblog reads. “From the beginning of growth throughout each Trendy Warfare II and Trendy Warfare III, Sledgehammer Video games has labored intently with Infinity Ward to create a blockbuster sequel within the Trendy Warfare sequence, that includes the return of iconic heroes and villains alike.”
Whereas Activision sees Trendy Warfare 3 as a regularly-scheduled premium launch, it additionally seemingly acknowledges that MW3 will not really feel as distinct as a traditional annual CoD.
“Every title launch represents an epic expertise that stands by itself by way of distinctive gameplay and innovation. Trendy Warfare 3, nevertheless, pays off what the earlier titles have arrange.”
It does sound like MW3 will no less than verify off the containers folks anticipate most from a CoD sport. There is a new marketing campaign, co-op modes, and zombies (one other unusual first for Trendy Warfare). However the actual meat of CoD is aggressive multiplayer, and in that space, Activision has to date described MW3 as extra completely different than new. A bullet record of the MW3 highlights Activision is “most enthusiastic about” does not say a lot about multiplayer past a brand new perk system and new Gunsmith elements:
- For the primary time ever, a direct sequel in back-to-back years delivering an all new Marketing campaign that marks the return of Makarov.
- With Carry Ahead, gamers can proceed to get pleasure from participant stock and weapon development from final yr’s Trendy Warfare II into this yr’s all-new, Trendy Warfare III.
- Did somebody say Zombies? Extra data coming quickly on the brand new Trendy Warfare® Zombies: The most important Zombies providing to this point.
- New Open Fight missions in Marketing campaign; new Fight Vests and Perk system for customizing your Multiplayer Operator; new Tac-Stance motion; new After-Market Components for unparalleled Gunsmith customization and extra.
- One entry level on your future Name of Obligation content material. Beginning with Trendy Warfare II and Warzone, and now with Trendy Warfare III and past, gamers can navigate all their content material in a single place, we name it Name of Obligation HQ – making it simpler to pick out which sport and modes you want to play.
- New additions to Ricochet Anti-Cheat™ in addition to new anti-toxicity plans to proceed to ship a enjoyable, truthful and welcoming on-line expertise for all gamers.
- Roadmap of publish launch dwell seasons of further new content material.
In actual fact, essentially the most thrilling multiplayer information to date is not new stuff, however the return of outdated stuff. As PCGamesN reported, a Trendy Warfare 3 textual content messaging promotion has all however confirmed that remastered variations of each basic map from Trendy Warfare 2 (the 2009 one) will make an look. I do know just a few folks for whom that alone would justify no matter price ticket Activision plans to slap on this yr’s sport.
We’ll know extra about Trendy Warfare 3 this time tomorrow, when the Warzone Shadow Siege limited-time occasion begins at 10:30 AM PT.