In 2020, Call of Duty is expected to receive a new installment. While not much is known yet, our shooter expert Sven Galitzki is already looking forward to the next CoD shooter. Why – he explains it to you here.
Officially, not much is known about the new Call of Duty 2020. What is certain:
- in 2020, the popular shooter series will definitely receive a new installment
- Call of Duty 2020 is expected to launch on time in autumn, despite the global impacts and restrictions caused by the coronavirus
So far, CoD 2020 is only defined by leaks and rumors. However, there are also some statements and announcements from Activision and other CoD developers like Treyarch or Infinity Ward, which already give reason to be excited about the next Call of Duty.
Our shooter expert Sven Galitzki shares his 5 reasons why he is already looking forward to Call of Duty 2020 after Modern Warfare in 2019.
The Setting
While there are only leaks so far, they mostly come from reliable sources, like the well-known and reliable CoD leaker TheGamingRevolution or the renowned gaming journalist Jason Schreier.
Early on, there were rumors that Call of Duty 2020 could be a new Black Ops set during the Cold War or even a complete reboot of the beloved Black Ops series inspired by Modern Warfare 2019.
Recently, however, both TheGamingRevolution and Jason Schreier mentioned that CoD 2020 will likely not be a reboot of Black Ops. The new game is said to be tied to the Black Ops universe and set during the Cold War, specifically in Vietnam – even though it seems it will not carry the Black Ops name. The title “Call of Duty: Vietnam” appears to be in consideration.
All previous leaks and supposed insider information point to a setting during the Cold War around Vietnam – and I am really looking forward to that.
This could finally bring fresh air back into CoD. With Modern Warfare 2019, the current warfare has just been well served, and shooters set during World War II are already getting old for me (and many others).
And the sci-fi setting is pretty stale and didn’t sit well with every CoD fan with its futuristic wall runs and towering exoskeleton jumps. Other games, like Destiny 2, do it much better.
Black Ops 1 is considered by many, including myself, to this day one of the best CoD installments ever – not only because of its down-to-earth gameplay but also due to its cool setting and the accompanying story around the Cold War. And it seems that Activision wants to take this direction with Call of Duty 2020.
After being truly excited about Call of Duty for the first time since 2011 with the new Modern Warfare, I am now hopeful that Call of Duty 2020 will also succeed. If it indeed goes to Vietnam or if a Black Ops reboot occurs, this new CoD would almost certainly be a must-buy for me.
Also interesting: Call of Duty 2020 keeps the developer studio secret – Is internal conflict to blame?
The Engine
With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the CoD series finally received a new engine – for the first time in 14 years. And this looks really good for the shooter.
The developers have made tremendous efforts to utilize the new possibilities. The graphics look contemporary and very detailed, the effects are nice, and the animation of characters and weapons is simply great. The sound is excellent. Visually and acoustically, the series has made a significant leap forward.
And this is expected to continue with Call of Duty 2020. Because Infinity Ward, the developers of CoD: Modern Warfare 2019, are also providing this new engine to other CoD developers. It is meant to serve as a basis for the upcoming entries in the “Call of Duty” series. So anyone who found the new Modern Warfare appealing in terms of graphics and sound (like me) can look forward to the upcoming Call of Duty.
Moreover, it will be interesting to see how Call of Duty 2020 will look on the next-gen consoles PS5 and Xbox Series X. The fact that the new installment will also be released for the upcoming console generation is practically as certain as the Amen in church. I’m looking forward to that as well.
By the way, Warzone will also be playable on the new consoles: CoD Warzone for PS5 and Xbox Series X? This is what the developers say
No Loot Boxes
With Modern Warfare 2019, there was a kind of small revolution – loot boxes were abolished.
These had always caused trouble and outrage in earlier installments. Especially in Black Ops 4, they drove players to the barricades. The entire business model with its microtransactions was seen by many fans as aimed at squeezing as much money from players through loot boxes, as some new weapons were only available this way.
That was one of the main reasons why I quickly put aside Black Ops 4.
Since Modern Warfare, that has been over. The business model and microtransactions in the current CoD installment generally offer only cosmetic items. Everything can be viewed before purchase, there is no luck factor involved anymore. The current system is therefore considered fair by many, and there has been virtually no criticism of it so far.
And this line is likely to continue with Call of Duty 2020. Because Activision and the developers at Treyarch announced that this model is forward-thinking and will be used for future CoD installments.
Free Post-Launch Content for Everyone
Besides the removal of loot boxes, there was another positive development in Modern Warfare 2019 that is also expected to continue in future CoD installments.
With CoD: MW, one moved away from the previously common and paid DLC and Season Pass policy, which brought new content into the game. In Modern Warfare, all new gameplay-relevant content, such as new maps or modes, is now free – for all players on all platforms (except for the temporarily PS4-exclusive survival mode).
Additionally, new content like fresh base weapons for the arsenal will come through the seasons and the associated battle pass. However, this is also designed very fairly and offers all gameplay-relevant rewards through a free reward track available to all players. For €10, one can also purchase access to the paid premium track, which mostly contains new cosmetics.
Learn more about the battle pass here: CoD Modern Warfare: To buy or not to buy the battle pass – who is it worth it for?
If CoD 2020 also adopts this system for post-launch content, which can currently be expected, I would be really pleased. Because with this system, the developers and Activision have, in my view, finally found a healthy middle ground for generating additional revenue without making players feel almost cheated.
Even I have already treated myself to cool cosmetics in the shop twice with Modern Warfare, something I wouldn’t have even considered with Black Ops 4 out of anger and defiance.
Warzone Will Continue
What I wished for during Black Ops 4 and the associated Battle Royale mode Blackout is now actually coming true with the successors of Modern Warfare. Call of Duty: Warzone, the in-house Battle Royale of Modern Warfare, is to continue beyond the current CoD installment.
Even the Blackout mode from BlOps 4 I found very appealing and gripping, but the overall package quickly spoiled my fun. With Warzone, the Battle Royale for Modern Warfare has been refined, enhanced with some cool ideas, and is also offered as a free-to-play standalone version.
In general, Warzone does a lot right, primarily brings tremendous fun, and has been one of my absolute favorite pastimes in the current shooter landscape since its release.
And what I am really looking forward to: This is likely to stay that way with upcoming “Call of Duty” titles for the foreseeable future. Because the developers have now rethought their strategy on how to release new content and how to best integrate it. Warzone is expected to take a central role in the “Call of Duty” franchise and become a constant that connects the numerous sub-series – even in future releases.
While it is not known exactly how this will look, the most likely and plausible theory is that each major release in the series will bring a new massive map for Warzone – featuring its own iconic locations, weapons, characters, and twists for each respective series.
I, for one, am very pleased that I will no longer have to prepare for a completely new Battle Royale every year or worry about whether a Battle Royale will come at all. With Warzone, I have found my absolute BR favorite and I am glad that it will remain with me in the coming years and also on the new consoles.
By the way, if you want to know what to expect in Warzone and Modern Warfare, the current installment of Call of Duty, in the ongoing Season 3, then check out this article: CoD MW: Roadmap for Season 3 presented – What to expect in the new season.
