Summary
Even as gamers continue to debate the merits of Sledgehammer Games’Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3,news of the series’ next installment has already begun to trickle out. Treyarch’s as-yet-untitledCall of Duty2024 will reportedly be the franchise’s next entry following the release of the contentiousModern Warfare 3, and the first to be backed by the might of Microsoft’s massive marketing machine. With a longer development cycle than its predecessor and a new company controlling the franchise,Call of Duty2024 could be the comeback story the series needs.
WhileModern Warfare 3isn’t a failure by any means, with the title setting newplayer engagement records for theModern Warfaretrilogy, many players are less than satisfied with the series’ most recent outing. From complaints about its shockingly short campaign to frustration over the retooled Zombies mode,Modern Warfare 3has faced backlash from all sides. Treyarch’sCall of Duty2024, which will reportedly beBlack Ops 6, has the potential to right these wrongs. And with Microsoft undoubtedly wanting to ensure that upcomingCall of Dutygames released under its leadership live up to the series’ long legacy, it could represent a rebirth for the franchise.
Call of Duty 2024’s Long Development Cycle and Back to Basics Approach Should Ensure It Arrives Fully Formed
UnlikeModern Warfare 3’s rushed development cycle, which reportedly lasted only 18 months, Treyarch has supposedly been working onCall of Duty2024 for nearly four years. While this increased development time doesn’t guarantee that the game will be a success, it should result in a title that feels more fully formed thanModern Warfare 3. And, given Treyarch’s reputation as one of the franchise’s most reliable developers,Call of Duty2024 could represent a much-needed return to form for the series.
This move back toward what madeCall of Dutya success in the first place can be seen in recent rumors about the game. According to Windows Central, which claims thatCall of Duty2024 will beBlack Ops 6, the title emphasizes traditional military technology instead of the occasionally unrealistic gadgets found in theModern Warfaregames. This reported return to the series’ roots bodes well forCall of Duty2024 and should make it easier for Microsoft to market its newest AAA acquisition.
Microsoft Has a Lot Riding on Call of Duty 2024
AlthoughModern Warfare 3was technically the franchise’s first release under new ownership, withMicrosoft’s acquisition of Activisionhaving been approved shortly before launch,Call of Duty2024 will be the first to have the full force of the tech giant’s marketing machine behind it. With one of gaming’s biggest franchises now part of its portfolio, Microsoft will undoubtedly do everything it can to ensure its success. Following a string of sometimes poorly received first-party Microsoft releases in recent years, a successfulCall of Duty2024 could be as valuable for Microsoft as it is for that of the venerable franchise.
This could be especially true if theCall of Dutyfranchise comes to Xbox Game Passnext year as many are hoping. Although Microsoft Game Pass is still arguably a good value for players looking to try a wide variety of titles, some of its recent high-profile releases have failed to perform as well as expected. A competent, polished release ofCall of Duty2024 on the service would buck this trend and help repair the reputation of both Microsoft’s subscription service and the iconic shooter series.
By avoidingModern Warfare 3’s missteps, Treyarch can ensure thatCall of Duty2024 represents a long-overdue return to form for the franchise. Using the increased development time to put out a truly polished product would not only help revitalize theCall of Dutyseries after years of occasionally underwhelming releases, but also show why Microsoft made the right move in acquiring Activision.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)
WHERE TO PLAY
The war has changed. Call of Duty returns with an all-new campaign, modernized versions of classic Multiplayer maps and an open-world PvE Zombies experience. The campaign, a direct sequel to the record-breaking Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, sees Captain Price and Task Force 141 face off against ultranationalist war criminal Vladimir Makarov as he extends his grasp across the world. In Multiplayer, the 16 maps that launched with Modern Warfare 2 in 2009 return with upgraded graphics, new modes and innovative gameplay features. In Modern Warfare Zombies, team up with other squads for the first time ever as you work together to survive in the largest Zombies map yet
