Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is finally out. The latest installment in Activision Blizzard’s marquee shooter is a follow-up to 2022’s Modern Warfare II. It isn’t scheduled to launch on November 10 but an errant glitch has allowed some of its players to access the game’s campaign mode earlier than intended – even before the Early Access period.
This “early” early access has led to a deluge of spoilers, gameplay footage, and screenshots flooding the internet, much to the chagrin of fans eagerly awaiting the game’s official release.
Modern Warfare 3 continues the narrative of Task Force 141, promising another globe-trotting adventure with the return of the villain Makarov. Trailers have hinted at explosive action and perhaps an interactive terrorist attack reminiscent of the controversial No Russian mission from 2009’s Modern Warfare II. The hype surrounding Modern Warfare 3 is easy to understand, with fans particularly intrigued by how Makarov will fit into the new story and the resolution of the cliffhanger ending from the last game.
Unfortunately, the premature release of campaign details somehow mars the release. A glitch reportedly allowed some players to access the campaign ahead of its early access period, which was scheduled to start on November 2 for those who preordered the game. This has led to a flood of spoilers circulating on social media platforms and content-sharing sites like YouTube. The campaign mission list and even the game’s official ratings description have unwittingly become sources of spoilers, necessitating caution from fans who wish to preserve the surprise.
This situation has prompted some to exercise caution when going online. Fans are advised to mute specific words on social media and stay vigilant when browsing the internet. Otherwise, they risk laying their eyes on unwanted spoilers. Some players have reported seeing extensive gameplay footage, including the introduction and epilogue of missions, much earlier than expected. The community’s response has been a mix of appreciation for the heads-up and frustration over the inadvertent exposure to spoilers.
Despite the leaks, the anticipation for Modern Warfare 3 remains high. The game’s campaign is already playable today, November 2, for those who preordered digitally, while the official launch on November 10 will make it accessible to all players. The game will not be added to Xbox Game Pass anytime soon because of the ongoing legalities surrounding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. However, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has expressed a commitment to ensuring an equal gaming experience across all platforms in the future.
As fans gear up to dive into Modern Warfare 3’s campaign, fans are discussing the potential directions of the storyline. Speculations about high-stakes confrontations, character fates, and future developments in the Modern Warfare series are rampant. The leaks have only fueled this curiosity, with many players expressing concern about the campaign’s ability to deliver memorable moments and a satisfying narrative closure.
Just days after Alan Wake 2 went viral for its stringent PC requirements, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is bucking the ongoing trend by requiring user-friendly hardware to enjoy. It remains to be seen if next year’s Call of Duty will change things by becoming exclusive to next-gen consoles.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has the tall task of following up last year’s record-setting entry.
