Is Modern Warfare 3 an Expansion? Unraveling the Truth Behind the Latest Call of Duty
The question on many gamers’ minds: Is Modern Warfare 3 (2023) an expansion? The short, definitive answer is NO. Despite early development concepts and rumors suggesting otherwise, Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) is a full, standalone title and a direct sequel to 2022’s Modern Warfare 2 (MW2). It is not a downloadable content (DLC) pack or an expansion for MW2. While its development journey has been somewhat convoluted, it’s crucial to understand that the final product is a fully-fledged game designed to be purchased and played independently.
The Confusing Development Path of MW3
The confusion surrounding MW3’s status stems from its early development phase. Initially, the game was indeed conceived as an expansion for Modern Warfare 2. Several reports indicated that Sledgehammer Games were assigned to develop a substantial content pack for MW2, possibly featuring a campaign set in Mexico. However, as development progressed, Activision made the decision to pivot, turning the project into a complete sequel. This shift is believed to be partly due to delays in another Call of Duty title, prompting a reevaluation of MW3’s role in the franchise’s release schedule.
This decision meant that MW3 underwent a significant revamp. The initial plans were scrapped, and the storyline was rebooted. Instead of focusing on a continuation of MW2’s existing narrative with a Mexican setting, the game introduced Vladimir Makarov as the central antagonist and established a new, direct sequel narrative. It’s important to note that despite the initial concept of it being an expansion, the final product is a completely separate game, with its own campaign, multiplayer modes, and other content.
MW3: A Standalone Sequel, Not a DLC
The transition from a planned expansion to a standalone game has several crucial implications:
- Independent Purchase: Unlike traditional DLC, which requires the base game to function, MW3 is a separate purchase. You do not need to own MW2 to buy and play MW3.
- Full Content Offering: MW3 offers a full suite of content expected of a mainline Call of Duty title. This includes a dedicated single-player campaign, a comprehensive multiplayer mode, and the return of Zombies mode. It’s not merely an extension of MW2; it provides a whole new experience.
- New Narrative Arc: The story of MW3 is a direct continuation of MW2, but it stands on its own. It reboots the original story and features the classic villain Makarov, creating a new conflict and a fresh narrative arc that doesn’t require playing MW2 to understand.
While there are some mentions of it being downloadable content on Steam, it refers to the fact that it will be downloadable content for the Call of Duty HQ launcher, not for Modern Warfare 2. This means that it is simply using the same base application for all games.
Why the Confusion Persists?
The initial reports of MW3 being an expansion caused a lot of confusion that still lingers even after its release. Some of the things that fuel the confusion:
- Historical Context: The gaming industry has seen numerous examples of major franchises offering significant expansions that blur the lines between standalone games and DLC. This created an expectation that MW3 might follow suit.
- The Speed of Development: Given the relatively quick turnaround from MW2 to MW3, it led to speculations that the new game was simply a large-scale expansion.
- Lack of Clear Communication: The official communication during the early development was not entirely clear, which compounded the confusion.
Despite these factors, Activision has consistently communicated that MW3 is a full sequel and not DLC. It’s a completely separate game that introduces a new narrative, gameplay mechanics, and modes.
FAQs: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)
To further clarify the situation, here are 15 frequently asked questions about Modern Warfare 3, its development, and its status within the Call of Duty franchise:
1. Is Modern Warfare 3 (2023) a DLC or a standalone game?
Modern Warfare 3 is a standalone game and a direct sequel to Modern Warfare 2 (2022). It is not a DLC for MW2.
2. Do I need to own Modern Warfare 2 to play Modern Warfare 3?
No, you do not need to own MW2 to purchase and play MW3. It is a completely separate game.
3. What is the size of the MW3 game?
The initial download size for MW3 is approximately 80 to 90GB, with a full installation size of over 100GB.
4. Is the campaign in MW3 a direct sequel to MW2?
Yes, the MW3 campaign continues the story from MW2, with Task Force 141 facing off against Vladimir Makarov.
5. Was MW3 originally designed as an expansion for MW2?
Yes, initial reports suggested it was conceived as a content pack for MW2 but was later turned into a full game.
6. Is MW3 a remake of the original Modern Warfare 3 from 2011?
Yes, MW3 is a reboot of the original 2011 Modern Warfare 3 but with a different story and modern features.
7. Does Modern Warfare 3 include Zombies mode?
Yes, MW3 includes a Modern Warfare Zombies mode, which is available at launch.
8. Is the classic mini-map back in MW3?
Yes, the classic minimap and the classic perk system have returned in MW3.
9. How long is the campaign in Modern Warfare 3?
The MW3 campaign is relatively short, with an average playtime of around 3 to 8 hours.
10. Will Vladimir Makarov be in MW3?
Yes, Vladimir Makarov is the main antagonist in Modern Warfare 3 and plays a central role in the story.
11. Is Soap MacTavish alive at the end of MW3?
No, Soap MacTavish tragically dies at the hands of Makarov in the MW3 campaign’s final mission.
12. Who developed Modern Warfare 3?
Modern Warfare 3 was developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision.
13. Is MW3 part of a new Modern Warfare reboot trilogy?
Yes, MW3 is the third entry in the rebooted Modern Warfare sub-series and a direct sequel to Modern Warfare II (2022).
14. Are there any significant changes to gameplay in MW3?
Yes, Modern Warfare III introduces new gameplay mechanics alongside returning favorites such as the classic mini-map.
15. Is the release of MW3 part of Call of Duty’s yearly release cycle?
Yes, MW3 is part of the annual Call of Duty release cycle, although its development differed from typical entries.
Conclusion
Modern Warfare 3’s journey from a planned expansion to a full standalone game has undoubtedly been confusing, but it’s crucial to recognize the final product for what it is – a complete, independent title. While its initial concept might have been different, MW3 stands on its own as a direct sequel to Modern Warfare 2, offering a new narrative, gameplay experience, and set of features. So, if you’re wondering whether to buy it, remember that MW3 is not an expansion; it’s a separate game, worthy of its full price and deserving of its own playthrough.