When a massive service game like Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2 launches a new season it is no doubt an event. From weapon balancing changes, new maps, new weapons, a battle pass to level, and more. There is often a mix of excitement and criticism that comes with these large updates. Season 3 of Modern Warfare 2 has a lot of good changes, especially if you are a DMZ fan like myself. A large amount of quality-of-life changes were welcomed by the community. From the ability to modify your contraband weapons on the fly as well as bartering and crafting new variants of backpacks and vests. DMZ has been a breath of fresh air for Call Of Duty for me. But unfortunately, it appears that Activision’s pursuit of money may be tainting the experience.
The Introduction Of Monetization To DMZ
After the launch of Season 3, it was noticed by many DMZ players, that there were new “perks” appearing on some of the skin packs in the Modern Warfare 2 store. These perks were only available in DMZ but offer unique and distinct advantages in a variety of ways. For example with the Ghost bundle that is currently available in the store. When you load into DMZ with Ghost equipped you will automatically be equipped with a 2 plate armor vest. Traditionally, if you are freshly spawning into DMZ you will start with one plate. This means players who buy this pack will be at an immediate advantage over other freshly spawned players.
Another pack that launched in the store, called “Bomb Squad” allows players to spawn with a medium backpack to start. This means you will be able to immediately pick up and carry 3 weapons when you spawn in. If you are a fresh spawn, you will start with a small backpack and only be able to carry two weapons to use. Alongside these perks, both of the skin packs contain other bonuses for players who purchase them. From an additional operator slot that allows you to have another character to stack up more gear with. As well as special weapon blueprints that allow for reduced insured time. This means if you die and lose your gear in the DMZ, you will be able to gain back your weapon at a much faster rate. All of these bonuses being tied into previously only cosmetic skin packs is certainly a worrying development.
This decision comes alongside the new “Premium” Battle Pass option called Blackcell. This upgraded battle pass features a wealth of operator skins and bonuses as COD Points to purchase packs in the store. Season 3 may have brought many improvements across Multiplayer, Warzone 2, and DMZ. But there is little doubt that Activision is attempting to drive more microtransaction sales through the roof. Between high-end “premium” battle passes, to cashing in on player nostalgia with the retro Ghost skins. Call Of Duty is a literal cash-printing machine in the gaming industry. However, Activision trying to squeeze every last dime out of Modern Warfare 2 players isn’t a good look. Especially if you begin using these monetization methods to create advantages for players who invest in DLC content.
A Slippery Slope Of Monetization In Modern Warfare 2
Currently, these bonuses are relatively small advantages in the grand scheme of DMZ. However, as we have seen in previous Call Of Duty games, Activision is not afraid of aggressively monetizing its games. As an avid player of DMZ, I am increasingly nervous about how far the company is willing to take these perks in future seasons. While Season 3 has contained a wide variety of great improvements for DMZ as a whole, this trend of microtransactions being tied into DMZ is certainly worrisome. Here is hoping that they do not take these in-game bonuses too far in later updates.
