Activision’s announcement regarding the inclusion of Zombies mode in MW3 has left many fans curious if it’ll go free-to-play. Historically, the Zombies mode has been available to those who purchase the main Call of Duty game. However, given that this is the first instance of Zombies being integrated with a Modern Warfare title, it raises questions about how Activision might choose to handle it going forward.
Will Zombies go free-to-play with MW3?
From what we know now, MW3 Zombies will not be free-to-play. To access it, players must purchase Modern Warfare 3.
From its inception, the Call of Duty: Zombies mode has evolved from a surprise bonus mode in “Call of Duty: World at War” to a significant and beloved part of the Call of Duty experience. Over the years, it has garnered a substantial player base and established its own lore, gameplay mechanics, and dedicated fanbase. Since its inception in World of War in 2008, to enjoy the Zombies experience, players had to buy the main Call of Duty game. This approach ensured that while there might be microtransactions within the Zombies mode for cosmetic items and boosts, the core gameplay was accessible only through purchase.
However, the gaming landscape has witnessed a shift with the success of free-to-play models. Activision has already embraced this model with Call of Duty: Warzone, its free-to-play battle royale title. This move has proven immensely successful for it, pulling in millions of players worldwide.
Considering the free-to-play success of Warzone and the fact that Modern Warfare 3 Zombies is a new introduction, Activision could be contemplating making MW3 Zombies free-to-play or, at the very least, adopting a hybrid model. A hybrid approach could entail a free base Zombies mode with optional in-game purchases, similar to how Warzone operates.
In conclusion, while nothing has been confirmed by Activision regarding the financial model of Modern Warfare 3 Zombies, given the changing dynamics in the gaming industry and Activision’s previous endeavors, it’s plausible it might experiment with the free-to-play format. However, until an official announcement is made, we can only speculate and wait.
