Revolutionizing Map Design: Modern Warfare 3's Bold Approach Defying Conventional Norms

Highlights

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is launching with remastered versions of classic maps, which brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement for fans.

The absence of original 6v6 maps upon release is a setback for the franchise, despite the positive inclusion of remastered maps. Sledgehammer and Activision are relying on nostalgia to cover up this shortcoming, but a new Call of Duty game should feature its own unique selection of maps to provide players with a fresh and exciting experience.

2023 continues the tradition of annual Call of Duty releases, with the announcement of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 by Activision and Sledgehammer Games. Despite initial rumors indicating a break in the series, this new installment is promised to be a comprehensive and high-quality addition. However, some fans remain skeptical. Prior to the announcement, speculation and leaks hinted at a smaller expansion with a continuation of the Modern Warfare 2 storyline and a few fresh multiplayer features. Although marketed as a complete release, certain aspects, such as the approach to multiplayer maps in Modern Warfare 3, seem to align with these earlier rumors.

Launching With Remastered Maps Only Shouldn't Be a New Call of Duty Staple

Modern Warfare 3 is launching with 16 6v6 multiplayer maps, all of which are remastered versions of beloved maps from Modern Warfare 2 in 2009. This decision has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, the inclusion of 16 6v6 maps right from the start adds to the excitement of Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer experience. These maps have already been tested and proven to be popular, making them a great addition to the game.

In addition to the quantity and quality of the maps, the remastered versions also bring a sense of nostalgia. Long-time fans of Call of Duty will have a deep connection to these maps, and the opportunity to see them with modern graphics is likely to be a strong motivator for many fans to purchase Modern Warfare 3. Furthermore, the remade maps have been designed with Modern Warfare 3's mechanics in mind. Some new gameplay features, such as interactive doors, have been added to certain maps to provide a fresh twist.

However, it is disappointing that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will not have any original 6v6 maps upon its release. This sets a concerning precedent for future games in the series. While Sledgehammer has promised that post-launch updates will introduce original 6v6 maps, there is no information on when players can expect them. Last year's Modern Warfare 2 received considerable criticism for its lack of new 6v6 maps in post-launch updates, and it is disheartening that Modern Warfare 3 will not even have any upon release. This signifies a significant regression for the Call of Duty franchise. Nonetheless, Sledgehammer and Activision appear to be deflecting this shortcoming by focusing on nostalgia, and unfortunately, this strategy seems to be effective for them.

Although the remastered maps in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 are bound to be impressive and evoke a sense of nostalgia among fans, they should not be the only 6v6 maps in the game. Ultimately, this is a new installment in the Call of Duty series, and it should introduce its own collection of original maps. After all, Modern Warfare 3 would not have any maps to remaster if previous titles like 2009's Modern Warfare 2 had not laid the groundwork years ago. Even if a new Call of Duty's original maps are not exceptional, they still offer a fresh experience, which is what players should expect from a new game.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 launches on November 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.