Should Microsoft be worried about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's review scores?

One of the most glaring issues with Modern Warfare 3 is the campaign's unexpectedly short duration. Traditionally, Call of Duty games have offered campaigns lasting between five and eight hours, a sweet spot that has consistently delivered a satisfying narrative experience without overstaying its welcome.

Modern Warfare 3, however, deviated from this formula, offering a campaign that can be completed in less than five hours. This drastic reduction in playtime has not gone unnoticed, with a huge number of COD fans voicing their discontent, particularly given the game's full price tag.

The structure and execution of the campaign have also come under scrutiny. Modern Warfare 3 features 15 missions, fewer than its predecessor's 17, and takes players back to familiar locations like Verdansk. The missions, which were intended to offer players a sense of freedom, instead come across as isolated experiences lacking the cohesion that has been a hallmark of the series.

This decline in quality and reception is not just a blip on the radar for the Call of Duty series. It's a glaring red flag, signaling a potential crisis for the franchise. The game's performance is so dismal that it ranks as the 195th best-reviewed PS5 game of the year, out of a possible 199. It's rubbing shoulders with less-than-stellar titles like Redfall and Daedalic Entertainment's Gollum.

Microsoft, which recently completed the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, now faces the daunting task of revitalizing a franchise that has been a cornerstone of the gaming scene for years. The need for a strategic overhaul is evident, as the annual release schedule and the relentless crunch culture have evidently taken a toll on the quality of the games.

Call of Duty is a series that has weathered many storms. Then again, Modern Warfare 3 represents more than just a misstep; it's a critical wound that needs urgent attention. If there's one certainty, it's that the status quo cannot continue.

A break from the annual release cycle and a renewed focus on quality over quantity must be initiated if Call of Duty hopes to reclaim its former glory.