Why Was Call of Duty Zombies Removed?
In recent years, Call of Duty (CoD) Zombies mode has become a fan favorite, providing an exhilarating experience for gamers around the world. However, in 2017, Activision made the surprising decision to remove the Zombies mode from Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare and Modern Warfare Remastered. Fans were left wondering: Why was Call of Duty Zombies removed?
In an interview with CoD fansite, ResetEra, Infinity Ward, the developers behind Modern Warfare 2019, provided some insight into their decision. According to them, Zombies didn’t fit with the narrative or tone of Modern Warfare. Zombies just didn’t feel authentic in a realistic setting, they said. This reasoning sheds light on why Zombies mode wasn’t included in the game, but doesn’t explain why it was removed entirely.
Another reason behind the removal was the limited team size and underwhelming fan response. As the franchise transitioned from traditional multi-player experience to a more fast-paced, competitive model, Zombies, a mode catering to a smaller group of players, became an outlier, making it an easy decision for Activision to phase out the mode.
Table: Comparison of Modern Warfare Remastered and Modern Warfare 2019
| Mode | Modern Warfare Remastered | Modern Warfare 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Zombies | Available | Not available |
| Team size | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Tone | Satirical/Humorous | Realistic/Serious |
| Fan response | Positive | Underwhelming |
Was the decision to remove Zombies a bad one?
It’s hard to gauge the impact of this decision without direct comparison to other successful games with co-op and PvE modes, but it’s essential to consider the franchise’s goal to shift its focus towards a more competitive landscape. Infinity Ward’s commitment to providing a realistic setting led them to focus on a game mode that, while less lucrative, offers a more cohesive player experience.
Some fans might argue that this decision came at the cost of creative freedom, sacrificing the opportunity to incorporate Zombies as a unique feature, which sets CoD apart from other franchises. However, this strategic move shows that the developers prioritize consistency and cohesiveness within their game universe, potentially paving the way for more engaging single-player campaigns and competitive modes.
But what about the fans? Will Zombies return?
Rumors circulated about the return of Undead Siege, a variant of the Zombies mode, in Season 9: Graveyard Shift, but these hopes were dampened by the developer’s statement emphasizing that the mode won’t make a comeback in Modern Warfare.
Fans have consistently expressed interest in a co-op experience similar to Zombies, with over 60% voting in favor of including the mode in the Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare’s official poll.
Call to action:
Although the removal of Zombies might not have been well received by fans, it’s crucial to focus on the creative direction behind the decision, not just the consequences. For those looking for a co-op experience in CoD, support other game modes like Outbreak, which offers an exciting and immersive narrative-driven co-op experience.
Until then, Zombies enthusiasts will continue to advocate for the mode’s return, while enjoying other available co-op and PvP experiences. In the world of CoD, compromise and open communication between the developers and the community can lead to successful and innovative games.
Note: This article focuses on Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Modern Warfare Remastered, and Modern Warfare 2019, considering the removal of Zombies mode from these titles.