It’s the most wonderful time of the year: yes, we’re gearing up for the newest Call of Duty release, in the form of Black Ops 6. But what do we truly, deeply desire from our latest CoD experience? Well, not to be all media conspiracist on you, but I’m here to tell you exactly what you want from the new title, with one slight tangent to discuss progression elsewhere. Disagree or agree? Well, you’re still reading anyway; let the arguments begin…
1. A distinct visual identity
Now, for my money, the previous Black Ops title is the best recent Call of Duty and right from the beta, it stuck out. From the moment you landed in Miami, through the menu system and into those hazy 80s lights, you were in a visually cohesive experience.
A tight visual identity helps a title keep a bit of independence, which is important in a series with yearly releases. Flair and a consistently adhered-to theme are a must.
2. A good campaign
Now, I appreciate two things with this entry: one, that Activision must have the data for exactly how many people play, and two, that I don’t personally play the campaigns.
Yet every fan is crying out for a solid series of missions with a good experience. Despite the dominance of multiplayer, the campaign is still one of the most complained-about experiences in the series.
I’m going to criticise the fanbase later, but in this case, it’s pretty reasonable. Don’t rely so much on your online; provide something else for the game to brag about.
3. Introduce the quirk quickly
Yes, everyone likes the tense gunfights, but the series does have a sense of humour, too. It just avoids using it all too often.
Modes like Sticks ‘N’ Stones, Gun Game, Infected and Prop Hunt make a wonderful palate cleanser should you ever desire a break from the gunfights.
It’s just player retention; if you can boot up the same game and be rewarded with two very different experiences then you’re more likely to keep playing it.
4. Fearless coexistence
Yes, since Modern Warfare 2019, every title has had to coexist with the perennially popular Warzone. Guns from the newest game make their way over, and the free title sets a consistent expectation.
The two experiences are different, so a new title should not be worried about its free-to-play sibling. Bold decisions that divert the experience further away from Warzone help both products have their independence.
Be bold, be different, and count yourself lucky that both titles are so much fun but you can accomplish it while having two more different games.
5. Nostalgia with a future
Modern Warfare 3 was heavily rumoured to be planned as just an expansion pack to Modern Warfare 2 and the rumours certainly had a bit of smoke to them. In particular, with how every initial map came from the original Modern Warfare 2. Nostalgia is nice, the early online console multiplayer era of the series is extremely well-regarded, but new maps have to be there.
Some familiarity is good – a resting place of sorts – but relying upon it makes you seem like you’re out of ideas. The balance has to be there.
6. Upset the meta
Anyone who has played a title knows the meta is pretty straightforward: arm yourself with the in-form SMG and if the map works, maybe a sniper. Of course, the dedicated and those with insane reaction speeds will get mileage elsewhere, but some variety would go a long way.
I think online gaming has to innovate in some way on this front, even if it isn’t immediately obvious as to how. Constantly changing guns just gives a huge advantage to the die-hards who’ll figure it out immediately, while more casual players might be less aware.
It rewards obsession, not intelligence and hands an enormous advantage to any player. It would be nice to be less dependent on this system, as much as it elongates the lifespan of a title.
7. A change of toxic culture
Being on a Call of Duty fan group the other day was eye-opening. Speaking out against mindless abuse, I seemed to be in the minority in that moment. I’m bisexual and I’m happy with it; I wouldn’t change it if I could and I can’t, so oh well. I know from lived experience how much casual abuse throws you deeper into the closet. Call of Duty has an issue and it will be alienating a lot of players; the sheer anger from sections of the fanbase is psychologically concerning at times.
It isn’t a right to be abusive; freedom of speech isn’t freedom from consequence, and the game isn’t your makeshift therapist.
These sections of the fanbase need to calm down.
8. Disguise the three lanes
Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. The dedication to the three-lane philosophy is in too many maps to count: a big area to start with on either side and three lanes of combat to get to either side.
It’s practical, most people don’t see it as an issue and it’s easy to get away with; it’s the game design equivalent of harassing a cyclist. It becomes a bit disappointing to see it again and again after a while, so more disguises on that would be welcome.
So these are my picks for the eight things we want to see from the newest Call of Duty. Want to learn how to kill off the latest Warzone rewards challenges? Well, my omnipotence also grants me that knowledge and I’ve kindly decided to impart it onto you.
