Will Modern Warfare 3 (2023) Have Split-Screen? A Detailed Look
The short answer is no, Modern Warfare 3 (2023) will not have split-screen capability at launch for its multiplayer mode. This may come as a disappointment to fans who enjoy playing locally with friends and family. While the absence of split-screen in the beta was a strong indicator, the game’s launch confirms that this mode isn’t part of the experience. However, it’s important to look at the broader context of split-screen in recent Call of Duty titles, as well as the other multiplayer options available in MW3.
The State of Split-Screen in Modern Call of Duty
Split-screen functionality has been a beloved feature in the Call of Duty franchise for years, allowing friends to team up or compete on the same console. Unfortunately, in recent years, it’s become less of a priority for the developers. The option to play with up to four players in split-screen was once a standard feature, particularly in local modes. However, limitations have become the norm, and the feature is not universally available across all game modes or even all titles.
Modern Warfare 2 (2022) and Split-Screen
Modern Warfare 2 (2022), for example, does offer split-screen, but with significant caveats. Players can only access the feature in Private Matches within the Multiplayer mode. Furthermore, it’s limited to two players, straying from the classic four-player split-screen setup. This reduction in split-screen functionality has been a trend, leading many to wonder about its future within the franchise.
Past Titles with Strong Split-Screen Support
Historically, titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops III allowed for up to four players in split-screen, but only in local modes. Older titles like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: World at War, and others included split-screen capabilities, albeit with limitations. In some of those titles, particularly online, the split-screen was often limited to two players.
The trend of reducing support may stem from various reasons, including technical limitations and a shift in focus towards online play. The development resources required for optimizing split-screen, particularly on modern consoles, could be a contributing factor.
Modern Warfare 3: Multiplayer Focus
Modern Warfare 3 (2023) focuses heavily on its online multiplayer experience, building upon the foundations laid by MW2. The game features a range of modes, from classic Team Deathmatch and Search and Destroy to large-scale modes like Ground War and Invasion. These big maps and intense game modes are designed for large numbers of online players, which may contribute to the absence of local split-screen, perhaps due to hardware constraints.
Co-op in MW3: Zombies Mode
While a dedicated co-op campaign mode is absent in MW3, the game does offer a Treyarch-developed Zombies mode that reuses the Warzone map. This experience is intended to provide a cooperative element for players but remains online only, which doesn’t address the desire for local split-screen play.
MW3 As a DLC
Interestingly, Modern Warfare 3 is purchased and installed as if it’s DLC for MW2. This unique integration might have also contributed to design decisions that excluded split-screen, as it’s heavily intertwined with the online ecosystem built around MW2.
No Split-Screen: Disappointment for Local Players
The absence of split-screen in Modern Warfare 3 is a disappointment to many players, particularly those who enjoy local multiplayer. The ability to play with friends in the same room has been a staple of console gaming for decades, and its gradual disappearance from the Call of Duty franchise represents a shift in the industry’s focus toward online play.
Modern Warfare 3: The Future of Split-Screen?
While MW3 does not offer split-screen at launch, it is always possible that the developers consider this feedback and introduce it in future updates or in a future title. The community is still highly vocal about this, so the developers will likely be considering player sentiment. It is a feature that is desired by a significant part of the player base.
Modern Warfare 3 (2023): Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about split-screen and other related topics for Modern Warfare 3 (2023):
1. Will MW3 ever get split-screen?
While Modern Warfare 3 (2023) doesn’t have split-screen at launch, there’s always a possibility the developers might add it in a future update. However, there is no official confirmation of this possibility and it’s best not to expect it, at least for the near term.
2. Can you play the Modern Warfare 3 campaign with a friend?
No, there is no dedicated co-op campaign mode in Modern Warfare 3. The game features a single-player campaign experience.
3. Is there a co-op mode other than Zombies in MW3?
No, the Zombies mode, developed by Treyarch, is the only co-op experience in MW3.
4. How many players can play split-screen on previous Call of Duty games?
The number of split-screen players varies across titles. Some older games supported up to four players locally, while many modern titles like Modern Warfare 2 are limited to two players in split-screen in limited modes.
5. Which Call of Duty titles had the best split-screen?
Titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops III, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and older Modern Warfare titles are well known for their split-screen functionality, especially in local modes.
6. Does MW2 (2022) have split-screen?
Yes, Modern Warfare 2 (2022) does have split-screen, but it is limited to Private Matches in Multiplayer and supports a maximum of two players.
7. Can you play split-screen in Ground War or Invasion in MW2?
No, you cannot play split-screen in Ground War or Invasion modes in Modern Warfare 2.
8. Does the Modern Warfare 3 Zombies mode support split-screen?
No, the Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3 is an online-only experience, and doesn’t support local split-screen.
9. Why is split-screen being removed from Call of Duty games?
This may be due to various factors, such as a shift towards online play, the development resources required for split-screen optimization, and hardware constraints.
10. Is Modern Warfare 3 a standalone game or DLC?
Modern Warfare 3 is purchased and installed as if it is DLC for Modern Warfare 2 (2022).
11. When does the Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer go live?
Modern Warfare 3’s multiplayer went live on November 10.
12. Can you play the MW3 campaign early?
Yes, players who pre-ordered the campaign received early access starting on November 2.
13. What game modes are available in Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer?
The game includes modes like Team Deathmatch, Search and Destroy, Domination, Hardpoint, Control, and more. Large-scale modes like Ground War and Invasion are also included.
14. Is there a 4-player split-screen mode in any Call of Duty games?
Yes, some older games, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops III, supported 4-player split-screen, but this was usually limited to local modes. Online modes for older games often had a two player limit.
15. Who developed Modern Warfare 3 (2023)?
Sledgehammer Games developed Modern Warfare 3, which allowed Treyarch to focus on the 2024 Call of Duty title.
Final Thoughts
While the lack of split-screen in Modern Warfare 3 is certainly a downside for players who prefer local multiplayer, the game offers a robust online experience with a range of new and returning game modes. The absence of this feature highlights a continued shift within the industry toward online play, but the community’s passion for local multiplayer ensures this issue remains relevant in discussions about future titles.