Activision axes Call of Duty's DMZ Mode – fans nod in unsurprised disappointment

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0 DMZ Mode Ends Updates

Activision has confirmed that Call of Duty's DMZ mode, a popular sandbox extraction game mode introduced with Warzone 2.0, will no longer receive new content. This decision has effectively put an end to the mode that was once praised for its refreshing gameplay, reminiscent of Escape from Tarkov. Players have been expressing disappointment in what they perceive as a lack of support, particularly when compared to Modern Warfare's multiplayer and battle royale experiences.

Despite the company referring to the DMZ as a beta, hope for its full release has diminished, especially after it was conspicuously absent from the COD Next event. With the launch of Season 1 on December 6, the DMZ mode will be sequestered within the Call of Duty: Warzone section of the COD HQ launcher, separate from Modern Warfare III and Warzone. Progression and new content such as battle passes from the upcoming season will not carry over to DMZ mode, although it will remain free-to-play through Warzone with current content.

The discontinued cross-progression with Modern Warfare III and Warzone has been met with frustration from the community. However, Activision has mentioned applying the learnings from the DMZ beta to future development projects, hinting at potential new open world experiences with extraction gameplay.

Recent statements from Activision regarding community concerns, such as discussing skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) and removing hard-to-spot skins like the 'Groot' skin, indicate that the franchise is undergoing significant changes. The DMZ community is left mourning the sidelining of their favored mode but remains hopeful for its return in a possible standalone format in the future.

As Call of Duty continues to evolve, Season 1 is set to begin soon, potentially bringing fresh experiences and changes to the longstanding franchise.