Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is drawing ever closer to its official release, and discourse and hype surrounding the title is understandably high. However, given that the game recently concluded its second weekend of beta gameplay, there has been significant debate surrounding the current state of the game and what needs to be maintained or changed.
While many were of course satisfied with the gameplay they partook in across the beta for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, there are many who are vocal in their desire for some fairly comprehensive changes to be made to the title's core multiplayer gameplay before it launches. Spanning a large variety of gameplay elements and existing beyond already implemented patches, there is a lot that fans feel needs to be changed following MW2's beta.
The Core Details of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
The upcoming Modern Warfare 2 is set for a release date of October 28, carrying on from the very successful franchise installment of Modern Warfare that released in 2019. Looking to build upon this prior success, MW2 is aiming to be one of the most ambitious Call of Duty titles to ever release.
As well as possessing a campaign mode filled with the iconic characters from the elite Task Force 141, MW2 is set to launch with a huge array of multiplayer modes to help expand the amount of content that will come to the title during its unprecedented two-year life cycle. As well having a standard online PvP experience, MW2 is set to launch with a classic Spec Ops mode and will even launch in tandem with a sequel to the hugely popular CoD battle royale, Warzone.
Warzone 2 will also have its own brand-new DMZ mode, which is set to provide players with looting and exfiltration perma-death gameplay akin to the popular FPS shooter Escape From Tarkov, giving an insight as to just how ambitious MW2 is gearing to be. Modern Warfare 2 recently concluded the last weekend of its beta, with PlayStation players getting initial early beta access thanks to Sony's contractual agreements with the Call of Duty franchise. While this has helped ramp up hype surrounding the title even further, it is no secret that many fans were left disappointed, citing a variety of changes that need to be made to the title before it releases.
The Mini-map of Modern Warfare 2
Perhaps one of the most talked-about elements of the Modern Warfare 2 beta that has been a source of controversy for many fans is the sweeping changes that have been made to the game's mini-map system in comparison to previous franchise installments. It appears that Modern Warfare 2 does not show any red dots on its in-game mini-map when someone fires a weapon, even if the weapon in question is unsuppressed.
Historically, the Call of Duty mini-map and its red dots has been one of the most valuable tools to players, giving a tangible representation of where the enemy forces are located by making their approximate location become highlighted on the map when firing a gun without a suppressor. This forced players to play somewhat tactically, either holding their fire in certain situations or using a silencer to allow for a higher level of combat freedom and anonymity.
Red dots did not appear in any circumstance in the Modern Warfare 2 beta, completely changing a lot of the core gameplay of the title that fans have known and loved for decades. While this seems to be a definite decision by Infinity Ward, the intense backlash regarding no mini-map red dots in the game may lead to changes being made before the game's full release.
Changes to Skill-based Matchmaking in Modern Warfare 2
Skill-based matchmaking has been an issue that has gripped the CoD community for some time now, and the MW2 Beta showed that it remains for the upcoming title. Skill-based matchmaking fosters gameplay where players only come up against enemy teams of a similar overall skill level to them, meaning the vast majority of games are tense and highly competitive ordeals.
While this seems outwardly fair, many critique SBMM by pointing out how it ruins the casual gaming experience, forcing players to engage in every online match with a high-alert frame of mind akin to a ranked or competitive playlist mode, despite playing casually in public matches. Skill-based matchmaking is one of the most controversial elements of recent CoD titles, with many demanding that it be tuned-down at the very least upon full release. With how SBMM seemingly negates the need for ranked or competitive playlists, it is understandable why so many fans desire change.
Map Voting and Disbanding Lobbies in Modern Warfare 2
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Many point to the original Modern Warfare 2 as being the peak of the online CoD experience, and one of the core elements of the original game was the ability to continue lobbies with the same player base for hours before leaving. This has been a forgotten element of Call of Duty in recent years, but would be perfectly apt for a return within the reboot of the game that started it all.
With Warzone 2 introducing proximity chat, it is clear that Infinity Ward are more open to competitive gameplay in the upcoming MW2, and allowing lobby feuds to continue across games will only heighten the passion and sense of competition within the title. In addition to this, the ability to vote for what map would be played in the next match was a memorable aspect of the original Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer, allowing players to have a sense of control over gameplay direction.
With both of these gameplay elements being missing from the new Modern Warfare 2 beta, it would surely be a welcome surprise to fans to see them included upon release. While many are happy with the majority of gameplay factors in the upcoming MW2, it is clear that some changes still need to be made to satisfy wider audiences and longstanding fans.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 launches on October 28 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.