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GAMING FEATURE

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• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is out Nov 10

open-ended experience within expanded mission boundaries. These missions emphasise player choice and challenge, encouraging them to adapt and improvise their way to victory.” With a selection of classic maps at launch and new ones to come, multiplayer fans have a lot to look forward to. “Along with the 16 modernised launch maps from MW2 (2009), we’re set to release at least 12 new multiplayer maps throughout live season,” says Halon. “We’re so excited for players to jump into the original maps – we think some even have the potential to rival the longstanding classics, so we’re keen to see what players think. We’re also excited to bring back War Mode, which we first introduced in Call of Duty WWII (2017), but this time it’ll be on a new map in a modern setting.” Thrilling news for many is that zombies are back, bigger and badder than ever, as Halon explains. “Modern Warfare Zombies offers an exciting new open-world PvE experience, introducing a fresh narrative that unfolds as players progress. Multiple squads can work together for the first time ever to take on not only Zombies but a new Human Mercenary faction too, creating a dynamic environment of Players vs. Mercs vs. Zombies. This mode represents the largest pure PvE experience in the franchise's history, blending the best elements of Modern Warfare and Treyarch's Zombies.” Call of Duty fans will be pleased to know that Sledgehammer listen to player feedback. “As this is a direct sequel, this presents us with a unique opportunity to really hone in on player feedback,” muses Halon. “One of the most common points of feedback we’ve heard from the community is a desire for greater freedom in movement. To address this, the team has fine-tuned values in relation to the speed and fluidity of movement, establishing the iconic arcade-shooter feel that Call of Duty fans crave. We’re already hearing great things from those who’ve had a chance to get their hands on the game, and we look forward to continuing this feedback loop post-launch.” Before departing, we had to ask what Halon’s personal favourite thing is in MWIII … “The Open Combat Missions are something we’ve talked about doing for years. The advances in tech have allowed us to realise these true sandbox experiences that I am personally fond of, they’re a lot of fun to play, and re-play!”

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III marks the first time in the series that we’re in for a direct sequel, as Captain Price and Task Force 141 return to take out dangerous war criminal Vladimir Makarov.The studio head of developer Sledgehammer Games, Aaron Halon, lets us in on some of what to expect when it hits this month. Words Amy Flower T he future setting presents the opportunity to get creative with such features as weaponry, which excites the IT’S UP TO YOU TO HEED THE CALL UP

Sledgehammer’s Melbourne studio played a critical role in the development of MWIII . DYK?

Sledgehammer people. “The team have been very excited to develop a game set in a modern world where there’s more freedom in tech and weaponry that we know players enjoy,” enthuses Halon. “The modern setting provides diversity and customisation options, catering to various playstyles and strategies. There’s also a tremendous amount of creative flexibility that we’re excited to exercise throughout live season.” As for that weaponry, Halon tells us that there are some interesting new additions to the arsenal. “ MWIII will offer tons of new weapons and equipment to use. A favourite at the studio in playtests has been the Breacher Drone. The Breacher Drone is a new Lethal Equipment that takes the form of a handheld drone strapped with explosives. Players love to throw it down long corridors as a surprise for whichever player is unlucky enough to be on the other side. “Another new system we’re excited for players to experience is Aftermarket Parts – a new type of attachment that dramatically alters

the identity of your favourite weapons,” Halon continues. “For example, converting a pistol into a full-auto submachine gun, or bolting a flamethrower under the barrel of an otherwise inconspicuous rifle.” MWIII will also bring a more open approach to playing the solo campaign. “Open Combat Missions are a new innovative way to play the campaign,” Halon tells us. “These differ from traditional linear levels in that they provide players with a high degree of freedom and adaptability. They still have fixed objectives, but players have the flexibility to choose their approach and strategies, with the ability to find various equipment, weapons, and gear during the mission to tailor their playstyle. The Open Combat Missions are seamlessly integrated into the campaign alongside traditional cinematic missions, offering a more

52 NOVEMBER 2023

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