The storage demands video games have on console and PC hardware are escalating, evident in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. The title has raised eyebrows not just for its gameplay, a leaked campaign, and it’s supposedly DLC nature but for its mammoth file size. With a footprint exceeding 200GB on platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, it’s setting a new precedent in storage requirements.
Understanding the reasons behind this colossal size is crucial. Activision has been vocal about the factors contributing to this bulk. Primary among them is the sheer volume of content available from day one. This includes an open-world Zombies mode, a plethora of map files for Call of Duty: Warzone, and a feature allowing items to carry over to Modern Warfare II. Moreover, the company has stressed that due to ongoing optimization efforts, the final installation size is projected to be smaller than the combined previous Call of Duty experiences.
It’s not just the content that’s adding to the girth but also the new Call of Duty HQ download manager, which itself is a hefty 50GB install. This tool is intended to streamline the management of the game’s content, enabling the players to pick and choose which components to install. However, this has not been without its challenges. Reports suggest that the interface is cumbersome, and users have found the process of installing just the single-player campaign far more complicated than it should be.
#MW3 is almost here. In preparation, we would like to provide an update on file sizes which are larger than last year 👇
This is due to the increased amount of content available Day 1, including open world Zombies, support for item carry forward from #MW2, as well as map files…
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) November 2, 2023
The file size of Modern Warfare 3 isn’t just a matter of storage space, it’s a bandwidth issue. With more players facing data caps, the download time and data usage are significant factors. For instance, players will need to install the full campaign in two different packs totaling over 50GB. This is before the additional packs for Zombies, multiplayer, and impending Warzone updates.
Despite the challenges, Activision is providing tools to mitigate the storage impact. Through the use of the Call of Duty HQ launcher menu, players can manage their game files, including uninstalling specific content they aren’t playing. This feature is a nod to the reality of modern gaming where flexibility in managing game content is becoming increasingly important. But, still, the size of the launcher menu itself, as already mentioned, is part of the problem as well.
High-definition textures, expansive open-world environments, and comprehensive online modes all affect game sizes. While these elements enhance the gaming experience, they come at the cost of increased storage requirements.
If nothing else, this explains why the PlayStation 5 Slim and the Xbox Series S/X are getting slight bumps in the storage spaces. Although if we’re being honest, a better solution to this worsening problem are more affordable storage drives.
Ultimately, the game’s file size is indicative of a future where gamers might need to invest more in storage solutions. As AAA titles continue to push the boundaries of visual fidelity and content richness, the requirements for hardware, both in terms of storage and processing power, are likely to keep pace. This could potentially create a divide among gamers, with those unable to afford upgrades being left behind.
Modern Warfare III is a direct sequel to last year’s Modern Warfare II, which set a new launch record for the franchise. This new entry, developed by Sledgehammer Games in partnership with Infinity Ward, includes 15 missions that reward players with items usable across various game modes. As the first Call of Duty game to launch following Microsoft’s $69 billion buyout of Activision Blizzard, it marks a new era for the franchise, though it will not be hitting Game Pass anytime soon.
