Will MW3 Be Cheaper? Unpacking the Price of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
The short and definitive answer is no, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (MW3) will not be cheaper than a standard premium release. Despite earlier rumors and speculation suggesting a potential price reduction, Activision has officially confirmed that MW3 will be priced at $70, aligning with the cost of other full-fledged titles in the franchise. Any initial hope for a budget-friendly experience has been firmly dashed by this official confirmation. So, if you’re planning to jump into the new Modern Warfare installment, you should anticipate paying the standard premium price.
The Initial Rumors and Their Debunking
Before the official confirmation, there was a lot of buzz suggesting that MW3 might be priced lower than the usual $70. This speculation stemmed from some initial reports that framed MW3 as a more expanded DLC or an upgrade for Modern Warfare II, rather than a standalone title. These rumors created a sense of anticipation for a possible reduced price. However, these were swiftly debunked.
Activision, through its spokesperson, clarified that “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is a premium release. It will be priced accordingly at $70.” This statement, reiterated across various media outlets and within their own quarterly conference calls, leaves no room for interpretation. MW3 will be a full-priced game, comparable to previous major entries in the series.
Why the Price is $70: A Premium Release
Activision has explicitly stated that MW3 is a “premium release,” indicating it’s not an expansion or upgrade but a new, comprehensive title. The game packs a significant amount of content, including a full-fledged single-player campaign, a robust multiplayer experience, and the addition of Zombies mode. This full suite of features positions it as a major release, thus justifying the standard price point.
Additionally, it is worth noting that game development costs have steadily risen, especially for AAA titles. These increased costs often translate into a higher price for consumers. Given the scale and polish Activision aims for with the Call of Duty franchise, a price of $70 is, unfortunately, becoming the norm.
Understanding the Value Proposition
While the $70 price tag might be a point of concern for some players, it’s important to consider what this price brings. MW3 is designed to be a direct continuation of the Modern Warfare story, offering a brand-new campaign that builds upon the events of Modern Warfare II. Furthermore, the game features a revamped multiplayer mode and the return of the popular Zombies mode, adding considerable depth and replayability.
Moreover, Modern Warfare III isn’t just a simple reskin of previous titles. It features new maps, gameplay mechanics, and enhancements designed to provide players with a fresh and compelling experience. It’s also worth noting that the game’s release will coincide with changes and a new map for Warzone, integrating it more cohesively into the larger Call of Duty ecosystem.
The Vault Edition
In addition to the standard $70 version of Modern Warfare III, there will be a Vault Edition. While the specifics of what this edition will include vary, it is safe to expect that it will include additional in-game content such as operator skins, weapon blueprints, and other cosmetic enhancements. Naturally, the Vault Edition will come with a higher price tag than the standard edition. While the standard price of $70 can be a hurdle for some, the inclusion of the Vault Edition is not new territory for the COD franchise and serves as an option for more dedicated fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify any remaining questions about Modern Warfare III, here’s a list of frequently asked questions with detailed answers.
1. Is MW3 a standalone game or a DLC?
MW3 is a full standalone game, not a DLC or an expansion for Modern Warfare II. It is priced accordingly as a premium release.
2. Will MW3 be released on old-gen consoles?
Yes, MW3 will be released on both current and last-gen consoles, including PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, as well as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
3. Does MW3 have a single-player campaign?
Yes, MW3 features a full single-player campaign that continues the story from Modern Warfare II. It is noted as a fairly short campaign.
4. How long is the MW3 campaign?
The campaign is estimated to take around 3-5 hours to complete, depending on your skill level and play style. This has been noted by various reviewers and content creators.
5. Is there a multiplayer mode in MW3?
Absolutely, MW3 will feature a robust multiplayer mode with new maps and gameplay enhancements, a staple of the Call of Duty franchise.
6. Does MW3 have a Zombies mode?
Yes, the popular Zombies mode returns in MW3, providing a cooperative gameplay experience for players.
7. When is the release date for MW3?
The full game is scheduled to release on November 10, 2023, but it may vary slightly based on your time zone. Pre-ordering the campaign can get you early access.
8. Can I pre-order MW3?
Yes, pre-orders are now available for MW3 across all platforms. Pre-ordering may grant early access to the open beta and the campaign.
9. Is there a beta for MW3?
Yes, there was an open beta period for Modern Warfare III. The open beta weekend for PlayStation players did not require a pre-order. Pre-orders on other platforms would provide access to the early access beta.
10. Is the new MW3 a remake of the 2011 game?
While it shares the same title, the 2023 MW3 is a reboot of the 2011 game, offering a new narrative with familiar characters and themes. It’s not a direct remake.
11. Will Vladimir Makarov return in MW3?
Yes, Vladimir Makarov, the notorious ultranationalist terrorist, is a main villain in MW3. However, his character might not be exactly the same as his previous iterations.
12. What song is used in the MW3 reveal trailer?
The song used in the official gameplay reveal trailer is “Don’t Fear The Reaper” by Tom Rhodes.
13. Will there be DMZ in MW3?
DMZ will not be directly carried over into Warzone‘s new experiences with the launch of MW3. Its core mechanic will be somewhat absorbed into the new Zombies mode.
14. How many copies of the original Modern Warfare 3 were sold?
The original 2011 Modern Warfare 3 sold over 30.71 million copies, establishing its massive commercial success at the time of its release.
15. Is MW3 worth buying?
The worth of MW3 depends on your personal preferences. While it features a short campaign and a $70 price tag, it offers a full suite of content, including the multiplayer and Zombies modes. Players should consider these elements and decide if the game’s content justifies the price for them.