Call of Duty: Warzone, a popular addition to the shooter franchise, has garnered significant attention for its gameplay and updates. However, recent alterations in the game's name have left fans uncertain about the future direction of the release.
The recent changes in Call of Duty: Warzone have been clarified with the announcement that the original Warzone will soon be permanently shutting down its servers. This controversial news has shed light on the motive behind the recent updates in the 2022 version of Warzone.
The Recent Changes to Warzone
The recent release of Call of Duty: Warzone's fourth in-game season brought about several exciting updates. Season 4 introduced a range of new features, including vehicles, weapons, battle passes, and a brand new core map called Vondel.
However, the changes didn't stop there. In an unexpected move, Activision announced that Warzone would be undergoing a name change. Originally called Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, the title dropped the "2.0" with the release of Season 4. This decision caused quite a bit of confusion, as the newer version now shared the same name as its 2020 predecessor.
The Shutting Down of Call of Duty: Warzone
The decision to change the name of the two separate titles has generated confusion among fans who are actively discussing and playing both games. Despite this confusion, the recent announcements regarding the wider Warzone franchise shed some light on the motives behind this name change.In a surprising announcement on June 22, Activision sent shockwaves through the Call of Duty playerbase with the news that the original Call of Duty Warzone will be permanently shutting down its servers. Starting on September 21, players will no longer be able to access the game, leaving many devoted fans disappointed and nostalgic for the title's immense success. This unprecedented move by Activision marks the first time that a globally available Call of Duty game will be rendered unplayable.
Additionally, there is growing frustration among players who have purchased premium bundles and in-game items for the original Call of Duty Warzone, as they have now become practically useless. Although Activision has reassured players that these items will still be usable in their mainline CoD titles, it is important to note that many of these items were specifically designed for Warzone's unique gameplay.
The recent revelation about the fate of the original Warzone sheds light on the reasoning behind the name change for its successor. The newer title has now fully embraced the Warzone name, indicating a concerning trend of sequels completely superseding their predecessors, similar to what happened with Overwatch 2 and the eventual shutdown of the original Overwatch game.
In spite of the significantly larger playerbase in Warzone 2 compared to the original, there remained a loyal community that favored the mechanics and overall experience of the 2020 release. The sudden announcement of a limited timeframe for these players to enjoy the game was met with widespread shock. Nevertheless, it is understandable why the recent name change for the sequel aligns perfectly with the unfortunate fate of the first Warzone.
Call of Duty: Warzone can be played on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.