Warzone developers explain decision to move from 150 player to 100 player matches for “an optimal and fun experience”
Slowing down the pace
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Today (December 6) marks the long-awaited arrival of Season One ofModern Warfare 3’s live-service content. This massive update includes a range of new weapons, maps, operators, and, of course, a new battle pass to grind through across its multiplayer modes but also brings some meaty mechanical changes to the game’s free-to-play battle royale component,Warzone.
In addition to the arrival of an all-new map, Urzikstan, not to mention the introduction of all ofModern Warfare 3’s movement mechanics and weapons, the mode will see its overall player count decrease from 150 players per match to 100. Although this format is not uncommon in battle royale games (just look atFortnite’s 100-player matches), it left some fans wondering why the decision was taken.
Thankfully,Warzonedeveloper Raven Software hastaken to Twitterto explain some of the factors behind the change. “Our top priority is creating an optimal and fun experience for all our players based on critical metrics,” they explain in a recent post.
This means a careful consideration of “time-to-action, the map size of Urzikstan, new circle timings and sizes, total match time (20 minutes), red dots, contracts, and various new & existing second change mechanics.” Reducing the player count to 100, they argue, will be “the right balance to offer multiple phases starting with fair infil & looting, followed by healthy mid-game engagements, and an end-game climax.” You can read the full post below:
This morning we announced that the player count for #Warzone Battle Royale is 100 players.Our top priority is creating an optimal and fun experience for all of our players based on critical metrics.These metrics include time-to-action, the map size of Urzikstan, new circle…December 4, 2023
As a frequent player of bothWarzoneandModern Warfare 3, I’m fairly certain that this decision was made primarily because of the dramatically increased movement speed found in theModern Warfare 3multiplayer, which would make a lot of sense, given the statement.
Bringing those faster movement mechanics toWarzonewithout also adjusting the player count could potentially create overly hectic matches where you’re constantly engaging quickly advancing enemy teams from multiple angles - which sounds fun on paper but would disrupt the expected pace of most games.
Whether or not the change will be a positive step has yet to be seen, but the developers will be “making adjustments as needed” to the formula based on community feedback.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
For more onCall of Duty, read ourModern Warfare 3 reviewor see ourModern Warfare 3 Zombies guidefor tips.
Dash is a technology journalist who covers gaming hardware at TechRadar. Before joining the TechRadar team, he was writing gaming articles for some of the UK’s biggest magazines including PLAY, Edge, PC Gamer, and SFX. Now, when he’s not getting his greasy little mitts on the newest hardware or gaming gadget, he can be found listening to J-pop or feverishly devouring the latest Nintendo Switch otome.
Herman Miller Aeron gaming chair review: premium, highly customizable comfort
NYT Connections today — hints and answers for Saturday, November 9 (game #517)
I’m a die-hard Apple fan, but even I’ll admit that the Google Pixel 9 Pro is the best-looking phone of the year
