Activision has announced that Call of Duty DMZ will no longer receive new content updates, dealing a blow to fans of the mode.
The Infinity Ward-developed DMZ, which launched last year as part of Warzone 2.0, was well-received by both fans and critics. However, this year, fans complained about a content drought and a lack of support compared to Modern Warfare’s traditional multiplayer and the battle royale.
After skipping the recent COD Next reveal event, many feared the worst for the mode. Activision’s recent statement confirmed the fears by stating that DMZ will be relegated to the COD HQ launcher and that progression in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone will not sync or carry over to the mode.
The statement also mentioned that DMZ progress will not apply to new battle passes with the launch of Season 1 next week. However, it’s worth noting that DMZ remains free-to-play and accessible through Warzone.
The news has left the DMZ community in mourning, with many expressing their disappointment. “DMZ was honestly one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences I have had in years, which is something I didn’t think I’d say about anything COD related,” said one redditor.
While the news is disappointing for fans of DMZ, Activision’s statement also hinted at possibilities for the future. The company suggested that extraction gameplay, which was a key component of DMZ, may make it into future open-world experiences.
In a time of change for Call of Duty, with the recent announcement about Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) and the removal of the infamous ‘Groot’ skin, Season 1 kicks off in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone on December 6.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for DMZ and the Call of Duty franchise as a whole.