Shipment: Will It Ever Return to Modern Warfare 2? A Deep Dive
Yes, Shipment will likely return to Modern Warfare 2 (MW2), and historically, has returned. The map’s cyclical reappearance is a strategic move by the developers, driven by player demand and specific design choices. While a constant presence is unlikely, expect to see it featured in limited-time playlists, seasonal events, and potentially even integrated into future updates related to Modern Warfare 3 (MW3). The fan-favorite’s intermittent availability is a common tactic used to manage player engagement and ensure a varied gameplay experience.
The Saga of Shipment: A Love-Hate Relationship
Shipment is more than just a map; it’s a cultural phenomenon within the Call of Duty community. Its chaotic close-quarters combat fosters rapid leveling, intense firefights, and a constant stream of action. This, however, can lead to both adoration and frustration. The concentrated gameplay also contributes to the map’s unique appeal as a means of power leveling. Its removal often sparks outrage, highlighting its importance in the overall player experience. However, it always comes back around eventually.
Why the Periodic Purge?
The removal of Shipment isn’t arbitrary; it’s often driven by strategic design and business decisions. The core reasons for temporarily removing Shipment from playlists in MW2:
- Encouraging Game Type Diversity: Infinity Ward aims to promote a diverse gameplay experience. By removing Shipment, they hope to push players towards other maps and game modes, which can help to populate less popular lobbies.
- Controlling Progression Rate: Shipment provides an exceptionally fast method for leveling up weapons and player ranks. Removing it can slow down player progression, potentially encouraging engagement with other aspects of the game.
- Creating Hype and Anticipation: The absence of Shipment creates anticipation for its return. This artificially inflates player excitement and re-engages players when it’s eventually re-added.
- Playlist Variety: Rotating playlists are a common strategy in live service games. Regularly changing map selections prevents the game from becoming stale and caters to diverse player preferences.
- Seasonal Events: Shipment is often reintroduced during special events or holidays, providing a boost in player activity and aligning with themed content.
Shipment’s Impact on Player Behavior
Shipment’s inclusion or exclusion significantly impacts player behavior. When present, it becomes a hotspot for players seeking rapid progression or chaotic fun. When absent, players tend to distribute across other maps and modes, creating a more balanced multiplayer environment. It is this influence that makes its removal a necessary tool for managing the overall player experience. The frequent requests for its return demonstrates that the map retains its popularity with the Call of Duty community.
Looking Ahead: Shipment’s Future in the Modern Warfare Universe
With the release of MW3, the question of Shipment’s future becomes even more complex. Will it be integrated directly into MW3? Will it remain exclusive to MW2 through occasional limited-time modes? The answer depends on several factors, including player feedback, design decisions, and the overall content strategy for both games.
The “Carry Forward” system between MW2 and MW3, which allows players to transfer weapons, attachments, and blueprints, further complicates matters. It’s plausible that Shipment will be integrated into MW3 to capitalize on this system, allowing players to continue using their unlocked content on the popular map.
Whether it’s added to the game permanently, or only as a temporary mode, players can expect to see shipment back in Call of Duty. This is partly due to the map’s established success, and partly due to the immense popularity of shipment within the community. The chaos-filled, fast-paced fights of shipment have solidified its place in Call of Duty history.
Games Learning Society has resources that may be helpful in understanding the popularity of fast paced games. You can visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shipment’s Return
1. Is Shipment currently available in Modern Warfare 2?
The availability of Shipment in MW2 varies. It’s often featured in specific playlists or limited-time events, but it’s not always a permanent fixture in the core playlist rotation.
2. Why was Shipment removed from MW2?
Shipment is often removed to encourage players to try other maps and game modes, control player progression speed, and create anticipation for its eventual return.
3. Will Shipment return to MW2?
It is likely that Shipment will return in MW2, potentially as part of seasonal events or limited-time playlists, as this has been the pattern previously.
4. How can I find out when Shipment is available?
Keep an eye on official Call of Duty social media channels, in-game announcements, and community forums for updates on playlist rotations and special events.
5. Is Shipment coming to Modern Warfare 3?
It is possible that Shipment could be added to Modern Warfare 3, especially with the “Carry Forward” system. However, official announcements are needed to confirm its inclusion.
6. Does weapon progression on Shipment affect my MW3 weapons?
With the “Carry Forward” system, leveling up weapons in MW2, including on Shipment, will level up the same weapons in MW3, and vice versa, if those weapons are available in both games.
7. What are the best strategies for playing Shipment?
Aggressive playstyles, close-range weapons, and quick reflexes are essential for success on Shipment. Utilize cover effectively and be prepared for constant engagements.
8. Does Shipment appear in Call of Duty: Warzone?
Shipment has appeared in Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile during its Limited Release, but its availability in the main Warzone game varies.
9. Can I play Shipment in Tier 1 mode?
Yes, Shipment is sometimes available in a Tier 1 playlist, offering a hardcore experience with reduced health and a more realistic gameplay environment.
10. Is Shoot House a replacement for Shipment?
Shoot House is not a direct replacement, but it’s another popular small map that is often rotated into playlists when Shipment is unavailable.
11. Why is Shipment so popular?
Shipment’s popularity stems from its fast-paced action, close-quarters combat, and the ability to quickly level up weapons and player ranks.
12. Do camos unlocked on Shipment carry over to MW3?
Yes, all weapon camos unlocked in MW2, including those earned on Shipment, will carry forward into Modern Warfare 3 if those weapons are available.
13. What game modes are best on Shipment?
Domination, Hardpoint, and Team Deathmatch are particularly chaotic and enjoyable on Shipment due to the map’s small size and constant action.
14. How does the removal of Shipment affect the player base?
The removal of Shipment often leads to players distributing across other maps and modes, potentially balancing the multiplayer environment and encouraging gameplay diversity.
15. Will my stats on Shipment be reset when it returns?
No, player stats earned on Shipment will not be reset when the map returns. They will remain associated with your account and weapon progression.