COD: Modern Warfare 4 Future A Little Uncertain After MW3 Debacle

Jonathan Kao

MW3: Modern Warfare III

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, despite initial promise, has faced widespread criticism and disappointment from both long-time fans and newcomers. The general consensus is that the game is plagued by numerous issues, including technical problems such as lag and bugs, as well as gameplay imbalances and questionable design choices.

The most common complaints center around the game’s unbalanced gunplay, frustrating skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), and repetitive map design. Many players believe that the game favors less-skilled players at the expense of experienced veterans, with features like increased health for newcomers and inconsistent hit registration leading to frustrating and unsatisfying gameplay experiences.

Here’s a look at the review overview on Google:

As you can see, nobody seems to like the game very much.

There’s a complete lack of innovation and the perceived “copy-and-paste” approach to the content, with many feeling that the game is simply a rehash of older titles with minimal new additions. The implementation of the controversial voice chat moderation system has further fueled discontent, with many players feeling that it stifles the social aspect of the game and infringes on their freedom of expression.

Oh, and then there are microtransactions. Which pretty much everyone hates.

Overall, Modern Warfare 3 has failed to live up to the expectations of many players, leaving them feeling frustrated and disappointed with the direction the franchise has taken. While some players still find enjoyment in certain aspects of the game, the overwhelming sentiment is that it falls short of its potential and represents a missed opportunity for the franchise to evolve and innovate.

So What Does This Mean For MW4?

The bad reception for MW3 has brought into question whether or not there’s any point in continuing the series. You would figure Modern Warfare would be one of those tentpoles that would last forever by just incrementing the game # but after how bad #3 was, it’s really a question now whether Activision will continue it or just focus on other versions.

The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series is still really popular, but it has definitely taken a black eye. There have been some reports that MW4 will happen and that it might be “in the works” but plans can always get scrapped so we’re not 100% sure just yet

According to Brian Bloom, who works on the story for Call of Duty, there are still plans for more Modern Warfare games. Infinity Ward, the company behind Call of Duty, has also hinted that there are more stories to tell with these characters. Whatever the case may be, they need to go back to the drawing board if MW4 is going to be successful.

Alternative Directions for the Franchise

If Modern Warfare 4 is indeed put on hold, there are several possibilities for where the franchise could go next:

  • Black Ops Continuation: The Black Ops series is another popular branch of Call of Duty, and Activision could choose to focus on developing a new installment in that timeline.
  • New IP: Activision might decide to create an entirely new sub-series within the Call of Duty universe, exploring different settings, characters, or gameplay styles.
  • Remastering Classic Titles: Another option could be to remaster older Call of Duty games, offering updated graphics and gameplay for a new generation of players.

The Wait Continues

Until Activision makes an official announcement, the fate of Modern Warfare 4 remains uncertain. While the mixed reception of Modern Warfare III has cast a shadow of doubt on its future, the franchise’s popularity and the enduring appeal of the Modern Warfare sub-series suggest that it’s unlikely to be completely abandoned.

Whether we see a Modern Warfare 4 in the near future or Activision takes the franchise in a different direction, one thing is for sure: the Call of Duty universe is vast and full of potential, and fans can look forward to more exciting developments in the years to come.

Recent Modern Warfare Timeline

DateEvent
July 2022Reports surface suggesting Sledgehammer Games is leading development on Modern Warfare 4.
August 2022Activision confirms the next Call of Duty title will be a “premium” release, sparking speculation that it could be Modern Warfare 4.
October 2022Insider Gaming reports that Modern Warfare 4 will be released in 2024, potentially alongside a “greatest hits map pack” featuring classic maps from previous Modern Warfare games.
November 2022Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reports that Modern Warfare 4 is in development, but its release date is uncertain.
February 2023Activision officially announces Modern Warfare II, a direct sequel to 2019’s Modern Warfare reboot. This dampens some speculation about Modern Warfare 4, as it suggests the franchise might continue with the rebooted timeline.
May 2023Insider Gaming reports that Modern Warfare III (not 4) is scheduled for release in 2023, with Sledgehammer Games leading development. This further complicates the timeline of a potential Modern Warfare 4.

Modern Warfare 4 needs to be re-built from the ground up to bring fresh gameplay mechanics and an engaging narrative. If It continues the terrible taste in people’s mouths left from MW3 this series could be in trouble.