Modern Warfare 3: Annualization Discussed By Developers
Call of Duty – Modern Warfare 3 is frequently criticized for being an annualized game. Critics claim that it may not contain enough innovations, new features, and game enhancements to warrant a new installment. In essence, critics are saying that its publisher, Activision, is just cranking out annual installments of Call of Duty just to cash in.
It appears that this criticism is affecting its developers – the studios Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer. Obviously, you need three studios to crank out such a massive game every year. “Annualization” is very important for these developers who have been discussing it “all the time”. The CEO of Sledgehammer, Glen Schofield, revealed in a recent interview that his teams’ focus is ‘all about innovation’. “We’re fans, so we know where we want to take it, we know what would make us happy, and we are listening to other fans out there,” said Schofield.
Screenshot from Call of Duty - Modern Warfare 3 (Credit: youtube)
This is an interesting pronouncement. Many of the critics of annualization are saying that because of this rush to release this year’s Call of Duty, innovation is sidelined and the franchise may lose momentum as a result. They do have a point. During the past five years, every November heralds the release of a new Call of Duty title. Call of Duty-Modern Warfare 3 is just the latest. While there are some innovations, the million-dollar question is, “Is there enough really to warrant a new release?” “You stay paranoid because things can happen, but staying paranoid actually makes you game better,” said Schofield. To paraphrase Andy Grove (the genius behind Intel and maker of the computer chip that’s probably running the computer that you’re using to read this), paranoia is a good thing when it comes to innovation. Let’s hope that the Call of Duty line actually reflects this.
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