Highlights
- Transfer of cosmetics from Modern Warfare 2 to Modern Warfare 3 is likely, but other customization options may not carry over.
- Allowing players to carry over killstreaks from Modern Warfare 2 could incentivize them to switch to the sequel and alleviate concerns about an unfinished game.
- Bringing over Calling Cards and camo from Modern Warfare 2 to Modern Warfare 3 would give both new and old players an added reason to keep playing, without affecting game balance.
Following months of speculation, gamers finally received word earlier this week that a reveal of what’s believed to be a Sledgehammer Games-led Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is coming next week. Whatever gameplay is shown as part of the Modern Warfare 3 reveal is sure to grab headlines, but some fans of the franchise’s most recent entry might be more interested in learning what Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 content will transfer to the sequel. Even though it’s very likely that players will be able to transfer cosmetic purchases from Modern Warfare 2 into the new game, the same can’t safely be said for other customization options.
Although the popular and occasionally controversial Call of Duty skins players can unlock or purchase are the most visible way to customize a character, they’re far from the only option. Beyond altering their outward appearance, players can also personalize their loadout with weapon-specific camouflage, Calling Cards earned by completing specific actions, and killstreaks that unlock as players rank up. While these sorts of unlocks haven’t traditionally transferred from title to title, letting players bring their killstreaks, Calling Cards, camo, and more to Modern Warfare 3 would ensure that the game is already awash with options for doling out destruction from day one.
Carrying Over Killstreaks Could Incentivize Modern Warfare 2 Players to Make the Switch
With some gamers already concerned that the franchise’s newest entry may follow the missteps of some of its predecessors, leaving Modern Warfare 3 to launch in an unfinished state, letting players carry over killstreaks could alleviate some of these worries. Giving players access to their already earned Modern Warfare 2 killstreaks while adding in a new slate of lethal unlockables would assure that series veterans wouldn’t have to start from scratch. This could incentivize some players on the fence to make the leap to the new game.
Bringing Modern Warfare 2’s killstreaks over to its sequel wouldn’t just be a nice reward for the series’ most dedicated fans, it could also ensure that those players have something to strive for in the sequel. Adding new killstreaks to unlock on top of the ones players have already earned would let long-time players feel that they are working towards something new in Modern Warfare 3 rather than just retreading their footsteps from the previous game. This would also mean that new players have even more to unlock as they work their way up the ranks.
Camo and Calling Cards Could Make the Leap to Modern Warfare 3
Killstreaks aren’t the only unlockables Activision should consider carrying over to Modern Warfare 3, though. Just as having access to an arsenal of killstreaks can give players a tangible way to see and share the progress they’ve made in the game over time, the same holds true for Modern Warfare 2’s Calling Cards and weapon camo. Like with killstreaks, Sledgehammer Games could add new unlockable camo and Calling Cards to Modern Warfare 3 on top of the ones transferred from its predecessor to give new and old players alike a reason to keep playing.
Bringing Modern Warfare 2’s Calling Cards and camo into its sequel may even prove to be an easier task than doing so with killstreaks. While letting players have access to powerful, previously unlocked killstreaks like the Gunship and Precision Airstrike could lead to complaints about game balance, this wouldn’t be an issue with Calling Cards and camo. Since these two customization options are aesthetic rather than affecting moment-to-moment gameplay, players are unlikely to take much issue with being eliminated by an enemy with animated CoD weapon camo, no matter how garish the design.
By letting players bring over not only their previously purchased cosmetics but also earned unlocks like killstreaks and Calling Cards, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 could offer gamers a reason to make the jump from Modern Warfare 2. And while this alone wouldn’t guarantee success for the upcoming Activision shooter, it would ensure it hits shelves and online storefronts already loaded with exciting multiplayer content.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is reportedly in development.