Did Sledgehammer Make MW3 2023? Unveiling the Development Behind Modern Warfare III
Yes, Sledgehammer Games was the primary developer for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023). While other studios within Activision’s ecosystem contributed, Sledgehammer Games led the charge in crafting this latest installment in the iconic franchise. This has been a significant project for them, with the studio’s creative director even stating that MWIII is “the game we’ve always wanted to make.” This revelation underscores the passion and dedication that Sledgehammer brought to the development process. Understanding their role is key to appreciating the nuances of the game’s design and overall experience.
Sledgehammer Games: A Legacy of Call of Duty Development
Sledgehammer Games has been an integral part of the Call of Duty franchise for years, often working alongside or in support of Infinity Ward and Treyarch, the other two main studios that have consistently released Call of Duty games. While Sledgehammer might be best known for titles such as Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare and Call of Duty: WWII, their involvement in Modern Warfare III represents a significant step in leading the development of a main-line title within the series. This isn’t their first foray into the Modern Warfare sub-series either, as they have collaborated on past Modern Warfare titles, but this is the first time they are leading the charge on a primary Modern Warfare title.
Their role in MWIII included overseeing all aspects of the game’s development, from its intricate single-player campaign to the vast multiplayer and Zombies modes. They also heavily revamped the Gunsmith system, an area that has been consistently improved and expanded upon since its introduction. This indicates a commitment to not just maintaining the core Call of Duty experience, but also refining it based on player feedback and their own creative vision.
The Ambition Behind Modern Warfare III
Sledgehammer’s focus on making MWIII “the game we’ve always wanted to make” speaks volumes about their goals for this title. The ambitious scope of the game, with its return of key characters, a campaign that directly continues the storyline of the rebooted Modern Warfare universe, and the massive overhaul to the Gunsmith, demonstrates that Sledgehammer was not content with simply iterating on past successes. Instead, they aimed for a transformative experience that both honors the legacy of the franchise while pushing it forward in new ways.
Furthermore, the integration of content from Modern Warfare II, such as carry-over unlocks of Operators and Skins, signifies that this is very much a connected experience within the broader Call of Duty ecosystem. It highlights that MWIII isn’t intended to be a standalone product but an evolution of what has already been built, something that Sledgehammer has been actively involved in achieving.
The Team Effort: Collaboration Within Activision
It is important to note that, while Sledgehammer Games led the charge on Modern Warfare 3 (2023), they did not do so in complete isolation. Activision’s vast network of studios often collaborates, and this project was no exception. Other teams likely provided support in areas like asset creation, gameplay tuning, and porting to different platforms. This is typical for Call of Duty releases, as it leverages the expertise of different teams to deliver the best possible game. Therefore, while Sledgehammer was the primary driver, the development process was very much a collaborative effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Modern Warfare III (2023)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023), providing further insights into the game and its development:
1. Is Modern Warfare 3 (2023) a reboot or a remake?
Modern Warfare 3 (2023) is a reboot of the original Modern Warfare 3 from 2011. It is a continuation of the story from the rebooted Modern Warfare 2. It is not a remake that strictly follows the original game’s narrative.
2. When was Modern Warfare 3 (2023) released?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 launched globally on November 10, 2023. However, early access to the campaign was available starting on November 1st for pre-orders.
3. Is Soap in Modern Warfare III (2023)?
Yes, John ‘Soap’ MacTavish is a major character in Modern Warfare III, portrayed by Neil Ellice. He plays an important role in the story, continuing from his presence in Modern Warfare II.
4. What happened to Soap in the original Modern Warfare 3?
In the original Modern Warfare 3, Soap dies. His death leads to a significant emotional arc for Captain Price as he seeks revenge against Makarov. This is an important detail for understanding the motivations within the new game’s story.
5. Will my MWII unlocks transfer to MWIII?
Yes, all unlocked Operators and Operator Skins from Modern Warfare II will carry forward into Modern Warfare III.
6. How much does Modern Warfare 3 (2023) cost?
Modern Warfare 3 is a full premium release priced at $70. There is no upgrade price, and it is not considered an expansion.
7. Is there a Vault Edition of Modern Warfare III?
Yes, in addition to the standard edition, there is also a Vault Edition of Modern Warfare III available for purchase that includes bonus content.
8. Will Modern Warfare III be on Game Pass?
Modern Warfare III will not be on Game Pass at launch. It is expected to hit Game Pass sometime in 2024.
9. Does Modern Warfare III have a campaign mode?
Yes, Modern Warfare III features a full campaign mode, which continues the story from Modern Warfare II. Early access to the campaign was made available to pre-order customers.
10. What conflict is Modern Warfare III based on?
Modern Warfare III continues the story where America is experiencing a near World War III situation on its own soil. This is similar to the global conflict present in the earlier titles within the series.
11. Who is the main villain in Modern Warfare III?
Vladimir Makarov is the major antagonist in Modern Warfare III, reprising his role as a threat to the world after his appearances in earlier games.
12. Will COD points carry over to Modern Warfare III?
Yes, all COD Points from Modern Warfare II and Warzone will transfer to Modern Warfare III upon launch.
13. Does Modern Warfare III have DLC?
Yes, Modern Warfare III will have downloadable content (DLC), such as new Multiplayer Maps and Spec Ops Missions. Some of this was available to those who paid for access through Call of Duty Elite at the time of the original MW3 release.
14. How big is the file size for Modern Warfare III?
The base installation of Call of Duty HQ (which contains access to Modern Warfare II, Modern Warfare III, and Warzone) is roughly 50GB. The full game file sizes may vary across different platforms and may exceed this base requirement.
15. Why is Soap nicknamed Soap?
Soap got his nickname not because of his hygiene, but because he is good at “cleaning house,” exhibiting “remarkable speed and accuracy in room clearance techniques and urban warfare tactics”.
In conclusion, Sledgehammer Games did indeed lead the development of Modern Warfare III (2023). Their passion, coupled with the collaborative efforts of other studios, has resulted in an ambitious game that looks to further the legacy of the Call of Duty franchise.