The upcoming beta tests for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will mark a significant first for the series by including the single-player campaign alongside multiplayer and Warzone modes. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced that the betas will feature the campaign mission "Entrenched" as well as standard multiplayer offerings. The second playtest will expand to include the Warzone mode and the Resurgence Zodiac map.
This comprehensive beta approach is unprecedented for the Call of Duty franchise, combining campaign, multiplayer, and Warzone elements in its pre-release testing phases. The first early access beta, available from August 21 to August 25, will be accessible to those who pre-order Modern Warfare 4. This initial test will showcase the campaign mission, six multiplayer maps, and nine distinct game modes. Players can experience this on PlayStation 5, Windows PC via Steam and Battle.net, and Xbox Series X.
The second beta weekend is scheduled as an open beta from August 28 to September 1. This period will introduce Warzone and the 32v32 Ground War mode, among other features. The open beta will be available on the aforementioned platforms, with an additional inclusion of the Nintendo Switch 2.
This extensive beta offering comes at a critical time for Microsoft's gaming division. Following a tepid reception and the worst sales ranking for the series since 2008 with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and with Battlefield 6 surpassing Call of Duty in sales, Modern Warfare 4's success is seen as crucial. Microsoft is reportedly undergoing layoffs of over 3,000 employees, adding further pressure on the upcoming title.
The latest installment in the Call of Duty series, announced earlier this year, centers on a conflict between North and South Korea. Developers have stated their intention to address player feedback regarding movement mechanics, a common point of contention in Modern Warfare 3.