Uncovering the Missing Element Holding Call of Duty Back from Live Service Success

The Call of Duty franchise continues to expand alongside the growing gaming industry. Despite facing controversies like the NICKMERCS scandal and concerns about its yearly release format, Activision always has a clear plan in place for its flagship property. With titles like Call of Duty: Warzone and premium releases from Treyarch, Sledgehammer, and Infinity Ward, fans have plenty of games to choose from. However, these entries all share a common flaw: the absence of user-generated content.

In 2019, Call of Duty made the transition into the realm of live service with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Following the now-popular model, players can purchase cosmetic items while enjoying free playable content such as maps and game modes. Although some may not appreciate the gradual release of post-launch content, this approach has successfully retained a substantial player base, even in the face of live service giants like Fortnite. Nevertheless, Call of Duty still falls short in one crucial aspect compared to other live service titles – the lack of a platform for community-made content.

Why Other Live Service Games Have an Edge Over Call of Duty

EA's Battlefield franchise, a direct competitor to Call of Duty, has also explored the realm of user-generated content. Despite the initial struggles and negative reception of Battlefield 2042 due to various bugs and design choices that deviated from what fans cherished about the series, Battlefield Portal instantly won over players. This mode captivated gamers by allowing them to access content from beloved past entries, providing a strong appeal. Additionally, creators within the Battlefield community showcased their skills by crafting captivating wingsuit obstacle courses and engaging hide and seek game modes.

Even Mediatonic's bean-focused battle royale recently joined in on the fun by introducing its own creator mode. Players have wasted no time in creating enjoyable rounds for collecting crowns. Similarly, Overwatch 2's workshop may not allow players to design maps, but there is still enough freedom for fans to create fun training areas and gimmicky modes. One such standout is the currently active Demon Lord arcade mode. However, the absence of Halo's Forge in Halo Infinite has been particularly disappointing, as it has become synonymous with each release. These creator modes provide fans with a break from the traditional, developer-crafted gameplay loop, offering a refreshing experience when desired.

Call of Duty Desperately Needs to Make Player-Made Content Available

Unfortunately, Call of Duty has not been supportive of player-created content, and recently Activision has taken steps to shut it down. Activision issued a cease and desist order to a fan-made remaster of the original Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer, which led to its discontinuation. Additionally, a mod for Black Ops 3 that aimed to protect PC players from hackers was also removed. These incidents have sparked outrage among players, who are questioning why user-generated content is being discouraged.

Allowing players to craft their own maps and modes, like the highly successful Custom Zombies, has proven to be a shining moment for gamers. With unforgettable maps such as Leviathan available on Steam, along with unique variations of Zombies' gameplay, it is clear that this feature enhances the overall experience. Implementing this option in every release and on every platform, including the ability to design multiplayer content, would undoubtedly please many fans. It is hoped that Call of Duty takes inspiration from other live service titles and recognizes the significant value that this type of content can bring. Activision should consider making creator tools accessible to the talented members of the series' fan base.