Unearthing the Ongoing Controversy: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's Trophy Dilemma

Article Key Points

There has been contention surrounding the notion that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is essentially an excessively expensive downloadable content masquerading as a top-tier release. This debate resurfaces with the revelation that the Trophy list for the game is regarded as downloadable content for MW2, rather than being distinct.

The lack of a Platinum Trophy in Modern Warfare 3 may deter Trophy hunters from participating in the game and diminish their enthusiasm for completing different objectives.

Activision runs the risk of alienating potential players due to this decision, and should contemplate the addition of a Platinum Trophy, or at the very least, take the criticism as a valuable lesson for upcoming games.

Since the first rumors emerged, the perception surrounding Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has been overwhelmingly negative. Initial leaks hinted at the possibility of an annual release hiatus in 2023, replaced instead by an expansion featuring content from the original Modern Warfare 2, alongside a new campaign experience. However, Activision swiftly dismissed this notion, asserting that a premium Call of Duty game would indeed be available in 2023, namely Modern Warfare 3. Fans wasted no time in branding it an excessively priced DLC, a sentiment further exacerbated by the unveiling of the game's Trophy list.

Many fans have argued that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is merely a rebranded DLC, bearing the same price tag as a full-fledged game, presumably in order to maintain consistency within the franchise or to terminate the exclusive content agreement with PlayStation. The argument gains traction due to the uncanny resemblance between the game's content and the leaked expansion's description. It would have made more sense for map remakes from the original Modern Warfare 2 to be offered as DLC for the MW2 reboot, rather than for the MW3 release. Despite Activision's attempts to counter these criticisms by highlighting the inclusion of an open-world Zombies mode and original multiplayer maps post-launch, it is difficult to overlook the fact that Modern Warfare 3's Trophy list is undeniably reminiscent of DLC.

Why Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Lack of a Platinum Trophy is a Big Deal

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Trophy List Furthers the DLC Argument

In the case of live service games such as Overwatch 2 and frequently supported titles like Minecraft, game developers regularly introduce DLC Trophy sets to provide additional challenges and new content for players. These extra Trophies are separate from the main list of achievements in the game, ensuring that earning a Platinum title is not made more difficult. It's important to note that bonus Trophy sets do not have their own Platinum Trophy, as only full games are eligible for a Platinum Trophy and each game can only have one. This brings us to the DLC argument for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

Unlike other premium Call of Duty games, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 does not have its own separate Trophy list with a Platinum to collect. Instead, its Trophy set is treated like DLC Trophies for Modern Warfare 2. The Trophies are organized in the same way as other game's DLC sets and include a full list of campaign and Zombies tasks, but the missing Platinum Trophy is noticeable. It seems strange to have 39 Trophies, including rare ones like Golds, in a DLC set without a Platinum. This gives the impression that Modern Warfare 3 was intended to be an add-on for MW2 rather than a premium game as advertised.

One possible explanation for the lack of a Platinum and this DLC-like Trophy set is the new Call of Duty application, which aims to bring multiple games together. Since MW2 is technically the "main game" for the app and players download content packs for other games, this approach may prevent Activision from offering standalone Trophy sets, as all games are considered "DLC" for the app. This theory is supported by the fact that the PS4 version of the game has a standalone Trophy list, while the next-gen version does not.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Lack of a Platinum Hurts Trophy Hunters

In addition to the argument that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is merely an expensive DLC masquerading as a premium release, the absence of a Platinum Trophy may discourage Trophy hunters. Those who strive to collect PlayStation's prized achievements might find themselves less motivated to complete random campaign tasks or accumulate kills in Modern Warfare 3 Zombies if they are aware that their efforts will not be rewarded with a Platinum Trophy. This lack of motivation could also extend to playing on the Veteran difficulty, as players may be less inclined to fully engage with various aspects of the game since there is no Platinum Trophy to justify their dedication.

Some avid Trophy hunters, who have always found collecting Call of Duty Platinums to be easy and enjoyable, might choose to skip picking up Modern Warfare 3 due to this decision. While the success of Call of Duty is unlikely to be significantly affected by a few Trophy hunters losing interest in the game, it is still a factor to consider since Activision definitely does not want to alienate any potential players. Hopefully, the negative response regarding the absence of a Platinum trophy prompts a future patch to introduce one or, at the very least, serves as a valuable lesson for upcoming games.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)

Set for a November 10, 2023 release, Activision's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) continues Captain Price's story from the 2019 and 2022 games. 

Editor's P/S

As an avid fan of the Call of Duty franchise, I was excited about the release of Modern Warfare 3. However, my enthusiasm quickly turned to disappointment when I learned that the game would not have a Platinum Trophy. This decision is a puzzling one, as Platinum Trophies are a staple of the Call of Duty series and a major incentive for players to complete all of the game's challenges.

The lack of a Platinum Trophy in Modern Warfare 3 is a slap in the face to fans who have supported the franchise for years. It sends the message that Activision is more interested in making money than in providing players with a satisfying experience. It also devalues the accomplishments of players who have put in the time and effort to complete all of the game's challenges.

I urge Activision to reconsider its decision and add a Platinum Trophy to Modern Warfare 3. Doing so would not only be the right thing to do for fans, but it would also help to quell the growing controversy surrounding the game.