The first multiplayer gameplay for Modern Warfare 4 has surfaced, not through a traditional Call of Duty: Next event, but via livestreams from a select group of players at Fanatics Fest NYC. Developer Infinity Ward confirmed the demo showcased the new Kill Block mode, which features dynamically generated maps from pre-set pieces of existing Modern Warfare series environments. This mode aims to create an ever-changing arena that reconfigures itself every two rounds.
The primary focus for many observing the event was the multiplayer action itself. Hours of footage emerged, providing enough content for players to form initial opinions on the upcoming title. A significant portion of the community discourse, particularly on Reddit, has centered on the controversial topic of player movement speed.
Recent discussions have been fueled by clips demonstrating rapid traversal, including a character covering a large distance with a mid-air jump and extended sliding. These instances have led to criticism from some players who feel the series has moved too far towards overly dramatic movement mechanics. One community manager acknowledged a visual bug in one of the clips, stating it stemmed from an alpha build of Kill Block and would be corrected for the upcoming beta. The intended mechanic involves a slide cancel, where a player is meant to appear between successive slides.
The introduction of tactical sprint in the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot, combined with the ability to carry momentum into slides and then cancel them for faster weapon ready times, transformed Call of Duty into a movement shooter. Subsequent titles have further increased player speed and smoothed animation transitions, creating a pace distinctly different from earlier entries in the series.
This evolution has divided the player base. While some advocate for maintaining fluid movement with a slightly reduced pace, others express fatigue with the current speed. Some argue that while the enhanced movement felt fresh in 2019's Modern Warfare, it may no longer be suitable for the series. "No one wants cracked movement where you can super sprint and slide and everyone is getting tired of all of this," noted one Reddit user.
A potential compromise being discussed is the reintroduction of a 'Classic mode,' similar to a limited-time playlist in Black Ops 7 that proved popular enough to become a permanent fixture. Many players are requesting its inclusion at the launch of Modern Warfare 4, viewing it as a way to satisfy both factions of the community. A poll on Reddit indicated significant player support for a Classic mode at launch, with a majority voting in favor.
However, according to one content creator present at Fanatics Fest, a Classic mode at launch is not currently planned by Infinity Ward. The developer's decision on this feature could influence player purchasing decisions, especially since the absence of such a mode at launch might deter those who would otherwise buy the game.
As the launch of the Modern Warfare 4 beta approaches, expected around September based on past releases, the debate over movement speed is likely to continue. The beta period will be crucial for many players in deciding whether to purchase the full game, which is scheduled for release on October 23rd for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2.