In an effort to address the ever-growing download size of Call of Duty games, Activision has announced that Warzone will be officially separated from premium Call of Duty games. This move comes as a response to the increasing file size of the games, which has become a concern for many players. By separating Warzone from the premium games, Activision aims to streamline the download process and reduce the overall install size of the games.
To facilitate this transition, Activision is implementing significant changes to the Call of Duty HQ launcher on PC. The developers are carefully rolling out updates to the launcher to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any potential issues that may arise. One of the key strategies to reduce the install size of the games is to expand the stream tech and add more content to the streaming pool. This means that less frequently used content will be cycled in the streaming cache, while more content will be available for streaming, reducing the load on players.
As part of this overhaul, Activision is introducing a new feature called „On-Demand High Quality Streaming.“ This feature will give players the option to prioritize higher fidelity graphics that require more bandwidth or opt for lower graphical quality that uses less bandwidth. By offering these options, players can customize their gaming experience based on their preferences and internet capabilities.
While the revamp is aimed at making other games on the launcher more accessible, players will initially have to download larger files to pave the way for smaller download sizes in the future. This process is expected to take some time, as Activision is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for players.
PlayStation 5 users may face some inconvenience during the Season 5 Reloaded update, as they will need to download four separate chunks of data. This includes the initial system-level update and three additional updates triggered by opening Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone. However, this process is primarily for current players who are actively playing and keeping up with the latest iterations of the franchise.
Activision has outlined a schedule for the upcoming changes, including the reorganization of game content as part of the Season 5 Reloaded update, the Black Ops 6 Open Beta, the introduction of a new user interface in mid-October, and the launch of Black Ops 6 on October 25. Players who log in after the Season 5 Reloaded update will receive a package of Battle Pass Tier Skips and Double XP Tokens as a bonus.
Overall, the separation of Warzone from premium Call of Duty games and the upcoming changes to the Call of Duty HQ launcher represent a significant shift in how players access and download game content. While there may be some initial challenges, the long-term benefits of reduced download sizes and improved accessibility are sure to enhance the overall gaming experience for Call of Duty players.