Friday, October 18, 2019

Activision To Roll Out Battle Pass Model For Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare

Santa Monica-based game publisher Activision said Thursday that it is turning its content model away from "loot boxes" to the "battle pass" model, for its upcoming launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. According to Activision, the new "Battle Pass" system replaces its previous "loot box" system to unlock features and items in the game. Loot boxes have been the target of legislation which say they are tantamount to gambling, because those loot boxes do not reveal exactly what in-game items are included--spurring many kids (and adults) to purchase multiple loot boxes in hope of obtaining whatever in-game item they are seeking. According to Activision, many of the changes to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare are to help in "breaking down walls and bringing the community together", including cross-platform play; removal of season passes and special map packs; simultaneous release of maps and modes on all platforms; and the ability to unlock all functional content on the game just by playing the game--instead of requiring "loot box" purchase.