The Potential for a Continuing Trophy Problem in Call of Duty Beyond MW3

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Trophy-related decision has raised concerns that a similar issue may persist in future releases.

With the early access release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s campaign, there has been a considerable amount of criticism directed at the game. Fans have expressed their disapproval of certain narrative choices and the campaign’s relatively short duration. Open Combat Missions, which resemble the newer Spec Ops modes and DMZ, have also left many fans feeling dissatisfied, especially compared to the linear, set-piece-filled levels of previous titles. In addition to these issues, the absence of a Platinum Trophy in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has left fans disappointed.

It’s important to note that not all players are concerned with Trophy hunting in video games. Many Call of Duty players primarily engage with the multiplayer aspect and may not pay much attention to the single-player mode. Therefore, the absence of a Platinum Trophy may be less of an issue in the eyes of such players compared to other gaming franchises. However, there are still some players who are disappointed by this decision, using it as evidence to support the argument that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is essentially a rebranded and expensive DLC. Regrettably, for those who are less motivated to collect Trophies in MW3 due to the absence of a Platinum, there is a possibility that this issue could continue in future Call of Duty releases.

The absence of a Platinum Trophy in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is limited to the PlayStation 5 version of the game. The PlayStation 4 version of the game, as expected for a AAA release, offers a Platinum Trophy. This has led to speculations that the issue is not linked to the game initially being planned as DLC, but rather a problem with the new approach taken by the Call of Duty franchise.

The Call of Duty series faces criticism for its large file sizes, mainly due to its use of a single large application to house multiple Call of Duty games. This approach might have contributed to the Platinum Trophy controversy. Call of Duty is now treated as a single application on the PlayStation 5, and each application can have only one full Trophy list with a Platinum Trophy. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 claims that game’s spot, leaving Modern Warfare 3 with the only option of offering an add-on Trophy list. As long as Call of Duty continues to be presented as a single application where players can access every game, DLC Trophy lists could become the norm for PS5 users.

There is speculation that Call of Duty 2025 may follow a similar approach to Modern Warfare 3, which is made up of maps from an older game. If Call of Duty 2025 follows this expansion-like model, it could potentially face the same Trophy issue, especially if it is considered more of a DLC-like offering rather than a fully original project. It is hoped that Activision will consider the criticism and feedback when developing Call of Duty 2025, addressing campaign concerns and ensuring the availability of a Platinum Trophy for PS5 users.