Modern Warfare 3 PSN Code Suggests Activision Releasing DLC As Full Game

A few things in the world are as stable as Call of Duty’s yearly lifecycle. For well over a decade, Activision has released new games of the franchise each year, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is continuing the tradition in 2023.

The studio has already announced an early November release date, with a full reveal set for August 17. However, earlier rumors had suggested that 2023 would mark the first gap in Call of Duty’s annual lifecycle since 2005.

This plan was later abandoned in favor of a premium release, but popular leaker Tom Henderson has found more evidence to suggest that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is not much more than a full-priced expansion of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

Why it matters: This may lead to outrage from players in the coming months. With the current inflation worldwide, $60 to $70 for a new release is quite a big commitment, and players are asking for more content with each title.

Modern Warfare 3 Code Confirms It's Essentially MW2 DLC.

Even this year's BETA codes will be re-issued Modern Warfare 2 codes.https://t.co/WO2C65OcsF

— Insider Gaming (@InsiderGamingIG) August 13, 2023

As noted, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 reuses the same code as the last game.

This refers to the game’s code on the PlayStation database. Furthermore, the source notes that Activision is reusing the concept ID from the last game for the upcoming beta launch.

The report also claims updates to the game will be added through last year’s offering. On this note, Activision has already confirmed that content from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will carry over to the new game.

While this is not incredibly surprising, it raises concerns about the game’s overall package. Earlier reports already claimed that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 started development as an expansion.

With the transition to a premium release, it was expected that Activision would add the required content to meet the $70 asking price. However, the reused code may have concerning implications for the game.

Seven studios are currently involved in the game’s development. This led to speculation that Activision would offer plenty of content, but the studios may have been forced to collaborate at the last moment for an acceptable launch.

A recent rumor also hinted that Activision could offer a discounted price for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 owners, but the source believes otherwise.

Call of Duty has always faced criticism for being too similar year-on-year. These criticisms forced the IP to make drastic changes in 2014, moving to a new era of boost-jumping Call of Duty games.

While each game has had its fair share of innovations and new ideas, this criticism may have never been more true than for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.