The Rise of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's Zombies Mode

Introduction

Johanna Faries, the general manager of Call of Duty and a senior vice president at Activision, recently made a surprising claim about the Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. According to Faries, the Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3 is probably the franchise's best-rated 'third mode' in over a decade. This claim has sparked interest and raised questions about the unexpected success of the Zombies mode in a game known for its multiplayer and campaign modes.

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In addition to the multiplayer and campaign modes, each Call of Duty title includes a third mode that offers an additional way for players to enjoy the game. Modern Warfare 3's Zombies mode provides a PvE environment where direct competition with other players is not a factor. Players can roam around the expansive Zombie-filled version of the Warzone map, Urzikstan, as they eliminate zombies and complete contracts. While some Call of Duty fans have expressed reservations about the new mode, it has been largely well received, and Faries' claim has brought attention to its unexpected popularity.

The Best Rated 'Third Mode'

In an interview with VentureBeat, Faries emphasized the success of Modern Warfare 3's Zombies mode, stating that it is probably the best rated 'third mode' in a decade. This claim, however, raises questions about the basis for this assessment and whether it is backed up by measurable data. Faries mentioned that the opinion about the Zombies mode being the best rated 'third mode' is also rooted in an unmeasurable feeling, making it unclear whether this claim is fully supported by data.

The claim is particularly surprising considering the popularity of Warzone, which was introduced as the third mode in 2019's Modern Warfare. Despite Warzone's widespread adoption and player engagement, Faries' assertion suggests that Zombies may be outperforming Warzone in ways other than player count, such as player engagement. The unexpected success of the Zombies mode has raised questions about its impact on player engagement and its significance to the franchise.

Player Engagement and Impact

Following Faries' comments on the Zombies mode, it has been suggested that the player engagement numbers for Modern Warfare 3 set records for the franchise. This unexpected success in player engagement, which measured average hours played per user during the game's first two weeks on the market, came as welcome news amidst disappointing sales numbers for the game. The Zombies mode, along with the multiplayer mode, may have contributed significantly to the game's strong player engagement.

Despite the game's relatively weak sales, player engagement remains a crucial factor for Activision, especially in light of the game's robust store section where dedicated players can purchase cosmetic items. The success of the Zombies mode in driving player engagement has highlighted its importance to the franchise and its ability to attract and retain dedicated players, ultimately contributing to the game's overall success.