Will MW3 Get Remastered? A Deep Dive into the Modern Warfare Legacy
The question of whether Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) will receive a remaster is complex, especially given the recent release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023). To clarify, the 2023 game is not a remaster of the original MW3 from 2011, but rather a reboot or reimagining that serves as a direct sequel to 2022’s Modern Warfare II. So, the short answer is no, the original 2011 Modern Warfare 3 is not being remastered in the context of the current game. Instead, the focus is on building on the existing rebooted series. However, the lines can get blurry, and this article will break down why that’s the case and address your questions surrounding this popular topic.
What is Modern Warfare III (2023)?
To understand why a remaster of the original MW3 is unlikely at this time, it’s crucial to understand what Modern Warfare III (2023) actually is. It is a direct continuation of the story and world established by Modern Warfare (2019) and Modern Warfare II (2022). It features a new campaign, that begins immediately after the events of MWII, focusing on Vladimir Makarov, a major antagonist from the original Modern Warfare series. It is not a simple graphical overhaul of the 2011 game, but rather a new story and gameplay experience built upon the modern foundation of the rebooted series.
A Reboot, Not a Remaster
The key distinction here is that Modern Warfare III (2023) is a reboot, not a remake or remaster of the original MW3. A remaster would primarily focus on updating the visual and technical aspects of an older game while maintaining its original gameplay, story and content. In contrast, a reboot involves reimagining the game’s storyline, characters, and world. Think of it as the same overarching universe but with a different narrative, built on modern technology and design principles. The 2023 MWIII adopts the core gameplay mechanics of the rebooted series. It continues to expand on the narratives set up in the previous two games while using familiar characters.
Remastered Content Within MWIII (2023)
While the 2023 game itself is not a remaster, it does contain remastered content. Specifically, all 16 of the launch multiplayer maps from 2009’s Modern Warfare 2 have been remastered and included in the game. This move is designed to capitalize on nostalgia and provide classic battlegrounds, such as Terminal, Highrise, and Rust, to veteran fans while integrating them into the gameplay mechanics of the new Modern Warfare series.
Why No Remaster of the Original MW3 Campaign?
The decision to reboot the series rather than remastering it seems to be driven by a desire to create a cohesive narrative arc within the new timeline. Instead of simply updating the 2011 MW3’s campaign, the developers are telling a new story that builds upon the events of Modern Warfare (2019) and Modern Warfare II (2022). This allows them to explore new themes, evolve characters, and introduce elements that fit within the modern context of the Call of Duty franchise. It also allows them to have one cohesive narrative across the newer rebooted Modern Warfare games.
The Focus on a New Trilogy
It is speculated that Modern Warfare III (2023) is the concluding chapter of this new trilogy, and Activision seems intent on moving the series in this particular direction rather than revisiting older iterations through a remaster. They are focused on completing the current rebooted MW storyline, thus not focusing on older titles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the topic of MW3 and its place within the Call of Duty franchise:
1. Is the new MW3 a remaster?
No, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) is not a remaster of the original 2011 Modern Warfare 3. It is a direct sequel to 2022’s Modern Warfare II, continuing the story in the rebooted Modern Warfare universe. It is a reboot and not a remaster.
2. Will MW3 (2011) ever get a remaster?
While there’s no official confirmation, given the current direction of the rebooted series, a remaster of the original MW3’s campaign seems unlikely at this time. Activision’s focus seems to be on telling the newer story.
3. Are the Modern Warfare 2 maps in MW3 (2023) remastered?
Yes, all 16 of the launch multiplayer maps from 2009’s Modern Warfare 2 have been remastered for Modern Warfare III (2023). This is different from a full game remaster of the 2011 MW3.
4. How much does MW3 (2023) cost?
Modern Warfare III (2023) is a full premium release, priced at $70 USD for the standard edition. A Vault edition is also available, costing more.
5. Is MW3 (2023) a full game?
Yes, it is a full game with a complete campaign, multiplayer, and other game modes, and picks up exactly where MW2 left off.
6. Does MW3 (2023) have a campaign?
Yes, the game has a full campaign that continues the story from Modern Warfare II and focuses on Vladimir Makarov.
7. Why is MW3 (2023) priced as a full game?
Activision has stated that it is a “premium release,” warranting a full price tag.
8. Does MW3 (2023) feature old MW2 maps?
Yes, it features remakes of all 16 6v6 multiplayer maps from Modern Warfare 2.
9. Did Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare get remastered?
Yes, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare received a remastered version, released in 2016, featuring updated visuals and gameplay.
10. How big is MW3 (2023)?
The base installation for Call of Duty HQ (required to access MWIII) is roughly 50GB, but the total storage needed, including other games, may be significantly more (potentially 200GB+).
11. Is MW3 (2023) available on PS4?
Yes, it is available on PS4, as well as PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
12. Will MW3 (2023) have DMZ mode?
No, the DMZ mode has not been carried forward into Modern Warfare III (2023) or Warzone’s new experiences. It will not be available.
13. Is the MW3 (2023) story directly after MW2?
Yes, the campaign begins right after the events of Modern Warfare 2, serving as a direct sequel.
14. Why did General Shepherd betray Task Force 141?
Shepard betrayed the 141 because they became suspicious after Allen was executed. Their suspicions were confirmed when Shepard killed Ghost and Roach.
15. How long is the MW3 (2023) campaign?
The campaign is estimated to take around 3-5 hours to complete, making it rather short compared to other Call of Duty campaigns.
Conclusion
While a standalone remaster of the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011) is not currently on the horizon, the release of Modern Warfare III (2023) offers a new story that also incorporates beloved remastered content from Modern Warfare 2. The game is intended to be a new addition to the rebooted Modern Warfare storyline, and should not be confused for a remaster. For now, fans will have to settle for the reimagined maps within the new MWIII experience. The focus has clearly shifted towards creating a new trilogy of games, with the 2023 release completing this chapter, rather than revisiting past titles.