Both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Call of Duty: Warzone 2 have been struggling in recent weeks. Though the former sold extremely well and the latter hit some impressive player count milestones right after release, many have since moved on from the games for a number of reasons. A lack of content is cited as a key reason for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s struggles, but Call of Duty: Warzone 2’s issues are a bit more varied - and the planned fixes are not going to be appreciated by everyone.
To be clear, confirmation of more DMZ content and balance changes is undoubtedly a good thing, as is the return of small scale gameplay with the upcoming Resurgence map. However, two of the other changes that have been announced will make the game feel more like the original Warzone. For those who loved that game, this is good news, as many have been outspoken about wanting a return to form. Unfortunately, this leaves those that were warming up to the new mechanics out of luck, and sees Call of Duty: Warzone 2 losing things that set it apart from its predecessor.
2v2 Gulag and Backpacks Gave Warzone 2 a Distinct Identity
2v2 Gulags undoubtedly had their problems. Players would occasionally get stuck with leavers and put in a 2v1 scenario, or be stuck with an exceptionally bad teammate that put them at a disadvantage. Many disliked the idea from the start, as it was no longer a 1v1 battle that focused on individual skill. For some, though, there was a charm to the concept. It was a great place to use Call of Duty: Warzone 2’s proximity chat, as striking a brief bond or rivalry with a random player was entertaining. The Jailer was also a unique concept, but it is hard to imagine it working as well in a 1v1 Gulag.
However, though most preferred the old Gulag style, the community is much more split on the removal of the backpack system. Call of Duty: Warzone is confirmed to be reverting to the old loot system in Season 2, with players dropping a pile of loot on the ground whenever they die. For some players, this system was better, as they felt it was quicker to get a look at all the loot and pick out the best pieces instead of stopping to search through a backpack that could be full of useless items.
However, the backpack functionality had its strengths, and fixing the bugs and issues with the system could have gone a long way to making it more popular. The added organization of the backpack system meant that players did not accidentally pick up items that they didn’t want, which will likely happen with dropped loot since unwanted items could fall on top of a better gun or a coveted streak. Picking out the best pieces may be quicker, but sorting through everything could prove difficult. Beyond that, the fact that it took time to loot backpacks added another risk to a high stakes battle royale match.
Even the recently announced changes to currency - which will make cash drops more prevalent and buy station items less expensive - could change the entire feel of the game. Ultimately, these adjustments come together to make Call of Duty: Warzone 2 feel less like a new game and more like a continuation of the original Call of Duty: Warzone. Considering that the old style of gameplay is still accessible via the standalone Call of Duty: Warzone Caldera, having the new game start to play exactly like the old one is an odd decision. The step back to the old loot, Gulag, and currency style could easily lead to complaints of the game getting stale as well, ensuring that the developers remain stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Call of Duty: Warzone 2’s upcoming changes may win back the players who have been missing the old style, but could push those who were growing to appreciate the new gameplay loop away. Call of Duty: Warzone 2, for better or worse, felt significantly different from its predecessor, and it felt like there was a clear vision in place to do something fresh. Now, it looks like Infinity Ward and Raven Software are giving up on that approach by caving to a vocal portion of the player base. Innovation will always be risky, but it is important for a franchise to stay fresh. Unfortunately, the part of the Call of Duty fan base that liked the major changes is out of luck, as those who want more of the same from Warzone 2 are getting what they wished for.
Call of Duty: Warzone 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.