Support for one of the most underrated Call of Duty game modes in recent memory, DMZ, is to end on 6 December with the launch of Modern Warfare III Season 1.
The mode, which follows a looter-shooter format similar to Escape from Tarkov, is based in last year’s iteration of Warzone. While it had a core base of loyal players, it was secondary to the ever-popular battle royale mode and a lack of news around the future of the game ahead of MW3‘s release had fans worried.
With the launch of MWZ – the all-new Zombies mode in Modern Warfare III and spiritual successor to DMZ – the end of the mode seemed imminent. Now, Activision has confirmed that support for DMZ will end with Season 1.
Writing on the official Call of Duty blog, the publisher said: “Beginning with next week’s launch of Season 1… The mode [DMZ] will not be available or interact directly within Modern Warfare III or Call of Duty: Warzone which means that progression and any new Modern Warfare III or Warzone content, including Battle Pass or store bundles, will not sync or carry back into this DMZ mode. Also, DMZ progress will not apply to new Battle Passes beginning with Season 1.”
“DMZ Beta players can continue the mode via the Call of Duty: Warzone section of COD HQ. The DMZ Beta will remain fully playable across all current DMZ content, including Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, the Koschei Complex, Building 21, Vondel, as well as all DMZ missions,” they clarified.
Addressing their decision to end support for DMZ, Activision explained: “We recognize that not having cross progression with Modern Warfare III and Warzone may be frustrating for some players, but we felt now was the time to take all the learnings from the Beta that we could apply toward future development efforts as we evolve this style of play. We also know that many players still enjoy the mode and wanted to ensure that everybody can keep playing, which is why we are keeping a variety of content available.”
This news is bound to be disappointing for fans of DMZ. It offered an alternative which boasted both PvP and PvE elements at a time when enthusiasm for the standard Warzone mode was at a low. That said, many of the mode’s mechanics have been carried over to MWZ which should scratch the itch for any players who want a DMZ-like experience in Modern Warfare III.
How do you feel about the end of DMZ? Did you enjoy the mode? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
