Call of Duty: Modern Warfare announces plans for a Battle Pass

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is ditching traditional microtransactions and loot boxes in favor of the new Battle Pass system for post-launch content.

With the removal of loot boxes, the Season Pass and a la carte DLC multiplayer packs, Activision is finding a new way to produce post-launch revenue for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Like just about every other online multiplayer game these days, they are turning to the Battle Pass system.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare‘s online multiplayer will be split into themed seasons, each with a unique Battle Pass that comes with unlockable content that’s themed to the season. By simply playing the game, you’ll earn COD Points which are used to level up through the Battle Pass and unlock new cosmetics.

There will be both a Free Stream and a Premium Stream of content made available through the Battle Pass and none of the content will have any impact on game balance. Base weapons and attachments that alter gameplay balance are only unlocked by playing the game; they are not featured in the Battle Pass and can not be purchased from the in-game store.

All of this is pretty straightforward stuff for anyone who has played a game with a Battle Pass system. And, honestly, it’s probably the best approach Activision can take with Call of Duty.

Activision has, for years, struggled to keep players engaged with its multiplayer beyond the release of the first multiplayer pack. Fragmented the player base is not good for the health and longevity of a multiplayer game, so their decision to deliver free post-launch multiplayer maps and modes for all players will hopefully ensure that the masses will stick with the game well beyond its October 25 launch.

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And the use of a Battle Pass ensures that players know what they are getting with their money up front. There is no mystery or randomness to a purchase anymore.

Although Call of Duty: Modern Warfare releases on October 25, it will not launch with the Battle Pass system. Activision explained:

"First and foremost, we are all focused on making the Day One experience awesome. Second, it’s important to us that everyone who is playing Modern Warfare has the chance to work their way through the new game and unlock all the rewards that are waiting for you."

While some may still have reservations about the practicality of a Battle Pass and the economy surrounding it, Activision assured players they are “committed to delivering a fair system.” The first Battle Pass is expected to arrive later this year, but pricing was not yet announced.