It is the year-end ritual of the video game industry. Since the release of call of duty 2 As of 2005, Activision markets a new version of its shooter license every year between mid-October and mid-November. Episode 19 of the saga is no exception to the rule. Nevertheless, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will show new challenges, particularly in the context of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
• When can the game be played?
The official release date of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is scheduled for October 28. However, game publisher Activision and development studio Infinity Ward have revealed the dates for their traditional “open beta.” This is to give players access to an advanced version of the game, but not the final version. The objective is to know the first impressions, while collecting data. This phase allows developers to make final adjustments before a title is released.
• When will the open beta of the game be available?
As for several years, the owners of a PlayStation will benefit again. They will have access to two test phases. The first is reserved for them from September 18 to 20, with two additional days (September 16 and 17) for people who have reserved the game.
The second phase of testing. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II it encompasses all players, regardless of the medium. It will take place from September 24 to 26. It should be noted that, again, some will benefit from two additional days (September 22 and 23): those who pre-ordered the game on Xbox or PC and those with PlayStation.
• What will this trial give access to?
Activision has indicated that the open beta of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will go beyond the franchise’s classic fighting format, pitting two teams of six players against each other. The editor promises various modes and various game maps, of different sizes.
One of the accessible maps since the beginning of this test phase has already been presented. This is the Marina Bay Grand Prix. As its name suggests, it will place the fighters in a Formula 1 circuit, that of Singapore.
• Why does this new work present new challenges?
If the schedule looks identical to previous years, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II promises to be a bigger episode than usual. During the presentation of its financial results for the second quarter, Activision Blizzard recorded heavy financial losses. With a billing of 1,600 million dollars (about 1,570 million euros), billing fell by 28% compared to the same period last year.
The publisher also lamented a drop in the franchise’s player count. obligations. As of March 2021, the company had 150 million monthly users. This figure fell to 100 million in March 2022. The decline continued in June with just 94 million monthly active players. So the new play should make you want to play the shooter license again.
• Why are Sony and Microsoft divided on the concept of “essential games”?
As part of its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft, which is also the manufacturer of the Xbox, will become the new owner of the franchise. obligations. If the group indicated shortly after the announcement that it wanted to continue selling shooters on PlayStation, PlayStation maker Sony is worried. The Japanese manufacturer thus wishes to put pressure on the regulatory authorities, responsible for validating the acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft.
Earlier in August, Sony clarified that this shooter license was “essential” and would likely influence a console purchase, Kotaku reports. Until now, PlayStation gamers have benefited from a partnership between Sony and Activision. But in the run-up to the acquisition, Sony fears its community will now be penalized: worst case scenario is Call of Duty becoming an Xbox or PC exclusive.
A track that is not on the agenda, but has already materialized in previous Microsoft acquisitions. Thus, the next Bethesda title, Starfield, will not be released on PlayStation. Therefore, Microsoft tries to minimize the importance of Call of Duty games, explaining that they are not “essential”.
Source: BFM TV
Emily Miller is a voice to be reckoned with in the world of opinion journalism. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a unique and thought-provoking perspective to current events and political issues, delivering insightful and engaging commentary.