DMZ is the free to play, extraction based shooter available with Warzone, which released with Modern Warfare 2 Season 1. The future for DMZ isn’t clear, but it reportedly doesn’t have a future for Modern Warfare 3’s Warzone integration. MWIII Zombies appears to be replacing DMZ later this year. What did it mean for DMZ to be in Beta during MW2’s cycle, and will it ever be out of beta is the question.
What Happens to DMZ Once Modern Warfare 3 Releases
The Warzone integration for Modern Warfare III is rumored to release with Season 1, on December 5th, 2023. Aside from the new Warzone map releasing that day, players have speculated that DMZ support could be added to that new exclusion zone. During a private event at Sledgehammer last week, content creators were briefed on Campaign and Multiplayer for MW3, where MrDalekJD also asked about DMZ. The response from Sledgehammer was brief, but is enough of a hint as to what’s likely happening with Call of Duty’s first extraction mode:
MW3 Zombies Replacing DMZ, With a Twist
While the first details on MWIII Zombies make the mode sound like an Outbreak, DMZ hybrid, it’s worth noting that the mode is NOT free to play, unlike DMZ. If the mode were free within Warzone, it would make sense for DMZ to be put on hold, but it’s unclear if Activision has other plans for the mode, if at all. It’s been speculated that a new iteration of Outbreak could go free to play during Black Ops 2024’s cycle, but that still doesn’t explain MW3 Zombies, a paid experience, replacing DMZ. Activision may not want post launch resources devoted to any other modes apart from Multiplayer, Warzone and Zombies.
What is The Future For DMZ, or Infinity Ward
If DMZ support comes to an end with Modern Warfare 2 Season 6, then Infinity Ward may be out of the spotlight for the next three years, as their next title likely isn’t releasing until 2026. DMZ provided a solid foundation for Call of Duty’s first extraction based mode, so to potentially see it vaulted for the foreseeable future is upsetting to say the least. Although MW3 Zombies, or the next iteration of Outbreak are set to implement extraction based gameplay, DMZ offers PvP action, which sets it apart from the upcoming Zombie mode. While Modern Warfare III will further the narrative, it would be a bonus to see DMZ support added to any upcoming Warzone map to help expand on the lore post launch.
Are DMZ Benefit Bundles a Sign of Decline
During Season 3 of Modern Warfare 2, several bundles were added that featured benefits for DMZ. These benefits allowed players to spawn in with a variety of bonus abilities when selecting the operator as apart of that bundle. These benefits have ranged from self revives, UAVs, gas masks, 2 plate vests, medium backpacks and battlerage self revives. It’s been speculated that a declining DMZ playerbase, or disappointing microtransaction stats are the reason for the sudden inclusion of these benefits. If DMZ truly was in decline, then that could explain why it won’t get support with Modern Warfare 3, or why MWIII Zombies won’t be free to play despite being a DMZ, Outbreak hybrid.
Will DMZ Maps Be Removed When MW3 is Integrated
The new Warzone map for the Modern Warfare 3 integration is rumored to take place in Urzikstan, while taking inspiration from the layout of the Las Almas tac map from MW2. The question remains as to what happens to DMZ exclusion zones like Al Mazrah, Ashika Island or Vondel when future Warzone maps inevitably replace them for the Battle Royale and Resurgence rotations. It’s possible that those maps only remain playable in DMZ, while getting removed from Warzone as new maps release. Building 21 may remain exclusive to the weekends, while Koschei Complex will always be tied to Al Mazrah. Regardless, the file size of Warzone exclusively will see a significant increase as new maps release for Battle Royale.
For further details on the future of DMZ, checkout this video:
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