Was Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare a flop?
The Call of Duty franchise has been one of the most successful game series of all time, with a loyal fan base and a reputation for releasing high-quality games. But, despite its success, not every game in the series has been a smash hit. One game that received a mixed reaction from critics and fans alike was Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. In this article, we’ll dive into the details and explore whether or not Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare was a flop.
Sales Performance
The primary metric by which a game is often judged is its sales performance. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare was released in 2016, and while it wasn’t a complete disaster in terms of sales, it did underperform compared to some of its predecessors. In the United States, for example, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare was the top-selling game in November 2016, but it failed to match the sales figures of Call of Duty: Black Ops III, which was released the previous year. Worldwide, Infinite Warfare sold 13.6 million copies, which is a significant drop from the 28.5 million copies sold by Black Ops III.
Critical Response
Another important factor that can influence a game’s success is its critical response. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its narrative and multiplayer modes, while others criticized its poor use of space combat and poor optimization. The game held a Metacritic score of 72 out of 100, which is average at best.
Why Did Infinite Warfare Struggle?
So, what went wrong with Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare? There were several factors that contributed to its struggles. One issue was the game’s unique setting, which took players to space for the first time in the series’ history. While some praised the fresh setting, many others felt that it wasn’t well-executed, and that the game should have stuck to what works best: boots-on-the-ground combat.
Another problem was the game’s overly complex narrative. The series has always been known for its straightforward, action-oriented storytelling, but Infinite Warfare introduced complex characters and plot twists, which may have alienated some fans.
Where Did Infinite Warfare Go Wrong?
Here are a few key areas where Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare went wrong:
- Poor Space Combat: The game’s introduction of space combat was intended to be a bold and exciting change of pace for the series, but in practice, it felt disjointed and poorly executed. Players struggled to navigate the cramped and confusing spaces of the game’s sci-fi environments.
- Story Issues: The game’s narrative was overly complex, with too many characters, plot twists, and contrivances. The storyline was hard to follow and lacked the series’ traditional straightforwardness.
- Lack of Innovation: Despite its attempts to branch out into new territory with space combat, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare felt like more of the same, with very little innovation or creativity.
- Poor Optimization: The game was plagued by bugs, glitches, and poor optimization, which only added to the frustration experienced by players.
Table: Call of Duty Infinite Warfare’s Sales and Criticisms
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Sales | 13.6 million (worldwide) |
| Metacritic Score | 72/100 (average) |
| Story Criticisms | Oversaturated, confusing narrative with too many characters and plot twists. |
| Gameplay Criticisms | Poorly executed space combat, lack of innovation, and poor optimization. |
| Positive Aspect | Well-received by some for its unique setting and entertaining multiplayer modes. |
In conclusion, while Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare had some positive aspects, its poor sales performance and negative critical reception make it one of the weaker entries in the franchise. The game’s failed attempts to innovate, including its poorly executed space combat and overly complex narrative, only added to the disappointing experience.