A cloud of controversy has enveloped the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, particularly in relation to its trophy list on the PlayStation 5, raising questions about its status as a standalone game. While Activision had previously clarified that Modern Warfare 3 would be a distinct release and not a DLC for Modern Warfare 2, recent developments have fueled rumors to the contrary.
The forthcoming remake of Modern Warfare 3 bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, and with good reason. Activision is set to bring over content from Modern Warfare 2 into Modern Warfare 3, and their co-developer, Sledgehammer Games, intends to introduce beloved maps from Modern Warfare 2 to the newer installment. Additionally, post-launch multiplayer content will feature more legacy maps. While some have labeled Modern Warfare 3 as a “glorified expansion,” Activision insists that it is indeed a full-fledged standalone game.
However, an intriguing twist has emerged regarding Modern Warfare 3 on the PS5. As reported by PowerPyx, the game lacks a standalone trophy list and does not feature a platinum trophy on the platform. Instead, its trophy list is situated under Modern Warfare 2’s, akin to the organization of a downloadable content (DLC). This setup can be likened to the structure seen in games such as Ghost of Tsushima’s Iki Island DLC, which houses its trophy list within the main game. Curiously, it appears that Modern Warfare 3’s PS4 version possesses its own standalone trophy list and platinum trophy, though this particular detail hasn’t been visualized by PowerPyx.
In response to PowerPyx’s findings, Push Square proposed a theory that Modern Warfare 3’s absence of a platinum trophy and standalone trophy list on the PS5 may be connected to the Call of Duty HQ launcher app. This app serves as a central hub for Call of Duty players to access the franchise’s recent titles. Activision might aim to replicate this approach on the PS5 and may have designated Modern Warfare 2 as the “lead name” under which all Call of Duty content falls, starting with its sequel. However, it’s worth noting that various game developers have managed video game collections without amalgamating the trophy lists of the individual games.
While this explanation holds merit, there remains a possibility that Activision may have encountered an oversight in configuring the PS5 trophy list for Modern Warfare 3. It’s plausible that they intended to assign a platinum trophy and an independent trophy list for the game, akin to their approach on the PS4. Nevertheless, this revelation has sparked a wave of discontent among Call of Duty enthusiasts and trophy hunters, with many expressing their dissatisfaction with the notion of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 potentially being perceived as a $70 DLC for its forerunner. Activision may need to address this issue in the near future to allay concerns and uncertainties.
