Key challenges and improvements for Call of Duty’s rumored WWII return in 2021
1. Make things feel fresh
The rumored return to WWII presents both an opportunity and challenge for Call of Duty 2021. While the setting is familiar to fans, developers must find ways to keep the experience fresh after numerous WWII-based titles. The series has explored Normandy beach landings and Stalingrad battles multiple times – now it’s time to showcase less represented conflicts like the Pacific Theater or North African campaign.
Weapon variety also needs attention. While iconic guns like the M1 Garand have their place, introducing lesser-known firearms such as the Type 100 submachine gun or the Fedorov Avtomat could provide new gameplay dynamics. Historical accuracy in weapon selection would simultaneously address another common complaint while expanding players’ arsenal options.
2. Distinct map designs
Previous Call of Duty WWII maps suffered from repetitive environments and dull color palettes. Gustav Cannon became infamous for its vast empty spaces and limited tactical options, while Carentan’s grey streets offered little visual variety. The new installment should leverage the global nature of WWII to create more diverse battlegrounds.
Potential map inspirations could include:
- Dense Pacific jungles offering close-quarters combat
- Snowy Eastern Front locations with dynamic weather
- Urban environments with destructible elements
- Naval battles incorporating ship-to-ship combat
Color variety matters too – not every WWII battlefield was muddy and grey. The Italian countryside, North African deserts, and even French vineyards could provide more vibrant settings while maintaining historical authenticity.
3. Historical inaccuracies
While complete historical realism isn’t expected, certain inaccuracies can break immersion. The previous WWII title drew criticism for German soldiers using Soviet PPSH submachine guns – an obvious mismatch that pulled players out of the experience. Attention to these details matters more than ever with today’s knowledgeable player base.
Key areas needing accuracy improvements:
- Faction-appropriate weapons and uniforms
- Period-correct vehicle models
- Authentic sound design for weapons
- Proper representation of military tactics
While gameplay balance should take priority, developers can achieve both authenticity and fun by researching actual WWII small unit tactics and adapting them for multiplayer scenarios.
4. Integrating WWII guns with Warzone
The likely integration of WWII weapons into Warzone presents unique challenges. Modern weapons currently dominate the meta, requiring careful balancing to make 1940s firearms competitive without being overpowered. The transition from Black Ops Cold War weapons showed how difficult this process can be.
Critical balancing considerations include:
- Damage fall-off curves for older weapon designs
- Attachment system compatibility
- Recoil patterns matching historical performance
- Distinctive handling characteristics
Developers should avoid simply reskinning modern weapons’ stats. Each WWII firearm should feel authentic while remaining viable in Warzone’s sandbox. The MG42, for example, could feature devastating firepower but significant recoil and overheating mechanics.
5. No more incendiary shotguns
The incendiary shotgun rounds from the previous WWII title remain infamous for their game-breaking power. Capable of wiping out multiple enemies instantly with excessive range, these attachments quickly dominated matches and created frustrating gameplay experiences. The new installment must learn from this mistake.
Key lessons for weapon balance:
- Avoid excessive damage-over-time effects
- Maintain clear trade-offs for specialized ammo
- Ensure all weapons have viable counters
- Implement thorough playtesting for new attachments
If incendiary rounds return, they should be significantly rebalanced – perhaps causing panic effects rather than instant kills, or requiring direct hits to ignite targets. The focus should remain on skill-based gunplay rather than gimmicky instant-win mechanics.
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