Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2is drawing ever closer to its official release, and discourse and hype surrounding the title is understandably high. However, given that the game recently concluded its second weekend of beta gameplay, there has been significant debate surrounding the current state of the game and what needs to be maintained or changed.
While many were of course satisfied with the gameplay they partook in across the beta forCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, there are many who are vocal in their desire for some fairly comprehensive changes to be made to the title’s core multiplayer gameplay before it launches. Spanning a large variety of gameplay elements and existing beyond already implemented patches, there is a lot that fans feel needs to be changed followingMW2’sbeta.
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The Core Details of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
The upcomingModern Warfare 2is set for a release date of October 28, carrying on from the verysuccessful franchise installment ofModern Warfarethat released in 2019. Looking to build upon this prior success,MW2is aiming to be one of the most ambitiousCall of Dutytitles to ever release.
As well as possessing a campaign mode filled with the iconic characters fromthe elite Task Force 141,MW2is set to launch with a huge array of multiplayer modes to help expand the amount of content that will come to the title during its unprecedented two-year life cycle. As well having a standard online PvP experience,MW2is set to launch with a classic Spec Ops mode and will even launch in tandem with a sequel to the hugely popularCoDbattle royale,Warzone.
Warzone 2will also have its own brand-new DMZ mode, which is set to provide players with looting and exfiltration perma-death gameplay akin to the popular FPS shooterEscape From Tarkov, giving an insight as to just how ambitiousMW2is gearing to be.Modern Warfare 2recently concluded the last weekend of its beta, with PlayStation players getting initial early beta access thanks to Sony’s contractual agreements with theCall of Dutyfranchise. While this has helped ramp up hype surrounding the title even further, it is no secret that many fans were left disappointed, citing a variety of changes that need to be made to the title before it releases.
The Mini-map of Modern Warfare 2
Perhaps one of the most talked-about elements of theModern Warfare 2beta that has been a source of controversy for many fans is the sweeping changes that have been made to the game’s mini-map system in comparison to previous franchise installments. It appears thatModern Warfare 2does not show any red dotson its in-game mini-map when someone fires a weapon, even if the weapon in question is unsuppressed.
Historically, theCall of Dutymini-mapand its red dots has been one of the most valuable tools to players, giving a tangible representation of where the enemy forces are located by making their approximate location become highlighted on the map when firing a gun without a suppressor. This forced players to play somewhat tactically, either holding their fire in certain situations or using a silencer to allow for a higher level of combat freedom and anonymity.
Red dots did not appear in any circumstance in theModern Warfare 2beta, completely changing a lot of the core gameplay of the title that fans have known and loved for decades. While this seems to be a definite decision by Infinity Ward, the intense backlash regarding no mini-map red dots in the game may lead to changes being made before the game’s full release.
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Changes to Skill-based Matchmaking in Modern Warfare 2
Skill-based matchmaking has been an issuethat has gripped theCoDcommunity for some time now, and theMW2Beta showed that it remains for the upcoming title. Skill-based matchmaking fosters gameplay where players only come up against enemy teams of a similar overall skill level to them, meaning the vast majority of games are tense and highly competitive ordeals.
While this seems outwardly fair, many critique SBMM by pointing out how it ruins the casual gaming experience, forcing players to engage in every online match with a high-alert frame of mind akin to a ranked or competitive playlist mode, despite playing casually in public matches. Skill-based matchmaking is one of the mostcontroversial elements of recentCoDtitles, with many demanding that it be tuned-down at the very least upon full release. With how SBMM seemingly negates the need for ranked or competitive playlists, it is understandable why so many fans desire change.
Map Voting and Disbanding Lobbies in Modern Warfare 2
Many point to the originalModern Warfare 2as being the peak of the onlineCoDexperience, and one of the core elements of the original game was the ability to continue lobbies with the same player base for hours before leaving. This has been a forgotten element ofCall of Dutyin recent years, but would be perfectly apt for a return within the reboot of the game that started it all.
WithWarzone 2introducing proximity chat, it is clear that Infinity Ward are more open to competitive gameplay in the upcomingMW2, and allowing lobby feuds to continue across games will only heighten the passion and sense of competition within the title. In addition to this, the ability to vote for what map would be played in the next match was a memorable aspect of the originalModern Warfare 2’smultiplayer, allowing players to have a sense of control over gameplay direction.
With both of these gameplay elements being missing fromthe newModern Warfare 2beta, it would surely be a welcome surprise to fans to see them included upon release. While many are happy with the majority of gameplay factors in the upcomingMW2, it is clear that some changes still need to be made to satisfy wider audiences and longstanding fans.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2launches on October 28 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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