The release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has been met with unprecedented criticism, marking a low point for the renowned franchise. The marquee shooter, which has been a staple in the gaming industry for over two decades, is facing its most challenging phase yet, with critics and players alike expressing their disappointment.
Modern Warfare 3, developed by Sledgehammer Games and the first to be released under the new management of Microsoft, has been described as an “all-around disappointment” by pretty much everyone on the internet. The game, initially conceptualized as a “premium expansion” for last year’s Modern Warfare 2, was transformed into a standalone product. This shift in development strategy seems to have backfired, as indicated by the game’s Metacritic score, which stands at a mere 53 from critics on PC and a strikingly low 1.7 out of 10 from users on the same platform. This score not only reflects an “Overwhelming Dislike” but also sets a new low for the series, previously held by 2021’s Call of Duty: Vanguard with a score of 73.
Coincidentally, both Modern Warfare 3 and Vanguard were made by the same development team, casting further doubt on whether the problem lies with Activision Blizzard and its annual release schedule or the team behind it, especially as Modern Warfare 2 was a massively successful entry that set a new franchise record.
Several factors contribute to the overwhelmingly negative reception to Modern Warfare 3. One primary concern is the game’s campaign, criticized for its brevity and lack of originality. The campaign, lasting merely three to five hours, isn’t even shy about its blatant reuse of the same assets from previous games. Thus, while unconfirmed, MW3 feels, looks, and plays like a glorified premium-priced DLC rather than a new installment. It’s safe to say that MW3 is a new low point for one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
The physical sales figures of Modern Warfare 3 in the UK indicate a 25% decrease compared to its predecessor, which is a significant shift in consumer sentiment. Although a portion of this can be attributed to the increasing preference for digital over physical copies, the magnitude of the drop, even though still enough to top the UK sales charts, suggests deeper issues with the game itself. The game’s sales on platforms like PS5 and Xbox also reflect a similar trend.
The development process for Modern Warfare 3 has been a subject of discussion, with reports suggesting a rushed 16-month timeline. This compressed development period, shorter than the usual three-year cycle for Call of Duty games, might have contributed significantly to the game’s shortcomings. The confusion among the development team, initially unsure whether they were working on an expansion or a standalone sequel, further exacerbated the situation.
Despite these challenges, Modern Warfare 3 is still selling well. This creates a genuinely concerning scenario, especially if it encourages Activision Blizzard and/or Microsoft Gaming to continue on a similar trajectory, especially as there appears to be no reason for the franchise to change course.
The future of the Call of Duty franchise remains uncertain. With the series experiencing declining critical reception and fan dissatisfaction, it remains to be seen how Activision and Sledgehammer Games will respond to this feedback. Will it serve as a lesson that forces changes to the series’ annual release model? Only time will tell.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the first game in the franchise to be released under the Microsoft Gaming umbrella. However, it won’t be available on the Game Pass yet.
