Game-Changing Revelation: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's Carry-Forward System Sets the Stage for an Epic Series Transformation

Highlights

Sledgehammer Games is leading development on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, with the title set to debut the Carry-Forward system.

Players can transfer items from the current game, MW2, to Modern Warfare 3 through the Carry-Forward system. This system has the potential to become a standard feature in future Call of Duty games. There is also a possibility of using the Carry-Forward system for Black Ops, resulting in consecutive Black Ops games in 2024 and 2025. It is speculated that Sledgehammer may continue developing the second game in both the Black Ops and Modern Warfare eras.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is set to be a unique addition to the popular subseries, with Sledgehammer Games taking the lead on development instead of Infinity Ward. Rumors suggest that the game will lean more towards nostalgia, bringing back the Ninja perk, classic mini-map, and focusing on map remasters. However, it will also include content from the 2022 CoD game.

Those interested in Modern Warfare 3 may have heard about the Carry-Forward system, which allows players to transfer almost all items from the current game to the new one. Only War Tracks and certain equipment and vehicle skins will not be included. Blueprints, Operators, Weapons, and unlocked cosmetics will all be transferable, rewarding players who invested in the previous game. This system has the potential to become the standard for future Call of Duty games.

Carry-Forward Could Be a Middle Ground For Activision and Call of Duty Fans

Gamers have long been requesting Activision to put an end to the yearly release cycle of Call of Duty, as they have been experiencing burnout and believe it has had a negative impact on the quality of recent games. Despite the series' continued sales success, Activision may have found a middle ground with the introduction of a Carry-Forward system. This system links two games together, allowing players to keep their hard-earned content instead of losing it after just one year.

Although players will still have to purchase two full-priced games, the benefits of the Carry-Forward approach are evident, particularly for those who consistently play Call of Duty every year. For instance, if players spend an entire year grinding to attain a high-level achievement like Dark Matter, they would now have a full year to utilize that accomplishment rather than very limited time. It is likely that fans will embrace the Carry-Forward system, as long as Modern Warfare 3 offers not just the returning content but also ample new additions. Consequently, this approach may become the standard for the series.

In order for a Carry-Forward system to be effective, both games must have similar settings. For instance, it is unlikely that a Black Ops game can be carried forward into a new Modern Warfare game, and vice versa. This situation could indicate a new long-term plan for the franchise. While the release of Modern Warfare 3 immediately after Modern Warfare 2 is peculiar and unprecedented, fans are accustomed to a time gap between entries in the same subseries. This may become the new norm.

Although not officially confirmed, it is highly likely that Call of Duty 2024 will be a new Black Ops game developed by Treyarch. If Activision intends to continue with the Carry-Forward feature, it is possible that Call of Duty 2025 will also be a Black Ops title. Perhaps Sledgehammer Games, like they did with Modern Warfare 3, will be involved in its development. Given Sledgehammer's previous games such as WW2 and Vanguard have not gained significant traction, Activision may want the studio to collaborate on the beloved Black Ops and Modern Warfare brands moving forward.

Speculatively, it is possible that Infinity Ward could develop a Modern Warfare game, followed by a second Modern Warfare installment by Sledgehammer a year later. Additionally, Treyarch could create a Black Ops game, immediately succeeded by a Black Ops title from Sledgehammer. This approach would allow for the utilization of Carry-Forward. The success of Sledgehammer in replicating the essence of Infinity Ward and potentially Treyarch's iconic franchises remains to be seen. However, this strategy would provide players with a two-game "era" for Modern Warfare and Black Ops, rather than constantly switching between the two. While it may not be identical to supporting one game for multiple years, the sharing of content between these two games could generate a similar experience. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is set to be released on November 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.