Activision has laid-out its post-launch plans for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare ahead of its release next week, pledging that it will be monetising the game (as Infinity Ward’s studio art director Joel Emslie hinted at on Monday) through a Battle Pass system and in-game store, rather than through the loot boxes seen in previous titles.
Battle Passes will, as with other games that use the increasingly common system, be released on a seasonal basis, with each one bringing new content that matches the theme of the season.
Additionally, Modern Warfare’s Battle Pass will feature both free and premium reward tiers, known as “Streams”, with the likes of base weapons and attachments, as well as COD Points, being earned through gameplay. Cosmetic-only content will be available within the Battle Pass and through Modern Warfare’s in-game store.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare Multiplayer Gameplay – 4K PS4 Pro Watch on YouTube
“All functional content that has an impact on game balance, such as base weapons and attachments, can be unlocked simply by playing the game,” insists Activision.
Notably, Modern Warfare’s new Battle Pass System won’t be available when the game launches next Friday. This, explains Activision, is to ensure the Day One experience is “awesome”, and to enable players to focus on playing and unlocking the rewards in the core game.