Insights on the autonomous release of Call of Duty's spin-offs, Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3
In a move aimed at addressing player feedback, the standalone versions of Call of Duty (CoD) Modern Warfare 2 (2022) and Modern Warfare 3 (2023) have been released, separating them from the CoD Headquarters (HQ) launcher. This decision has been primarily motivated by the need to reduce storage space requirements, improve user convenience, and provide dedicated achievement lists for each game.
Reducing Storage Space Requirements
The CoD HQ launcher had become a significant storage hog, requiring hundreds of gigabytes of disk space. By making MW2 and MW3 standalone, players can now download and install these titles individually, freeing up substantial hard drive space. The full HQ app installation, which was noted at over 380GB in some cases, is no longer a concern.
User Convenience and Clarity
With the games now independent, players no longer need to navigate through a complex launcher with interstitial menus and confusing screens. This streamlines launching and managing these games, making the overall user experience more straightforward.
New Achievement Lists
On Xbox, the standalone versions have introduced fresh achievement lists, allowing completionists to focus on achievements for a single title without needing to complete multiple games over years. MW3 also received a new multiplayer achievement for reaching level 55, enhancing replay value.
Legacy Content Management
Although MW2 and MW3 legacy content remains available in Warzone, legacy content within the HQ launcher is being removed starting August 7, 2025. This move further reduces redundancies and storage usage.
Community Response
The separation has been positively received by the community, as it addresses longstanding concerns about the bloated HQ launcher and improves download and installation flexibility.
Other Developments
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is the first title in the franchise to be included with Xbox's Play Anywhere program. The move to separate the games from Call of Duty: Warzone and the CoD HQ launcher has been widely celebrated by the community. The CoD team is taking feedback for the CoD HQ launcher into account for Black Ops 7.
Changes to Warzone's buy station UI have also been implemented, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) are now standalone downloads on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is expected for a Fall or Holiday 2025 release window.
[1] Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 Separated from CoD HQ Launcher, Improving User Experience. (2023). GamesRadar+. Retrieved from https://www.gamesradar.com/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-and-modern-warfare-3-separated-from-cod-hq-launcher-improving-user-experience/
[2] Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Achievement Guide. (2023). TrueAchievements. Retrieved from https://www.trueachievements.com/a359440/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-achievement-guide
[3] Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Standalone Version Released, Reducing Storage Requirements. (2023). IGN. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-standalone-version-released-reducing-storage-requirements
[4] Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 Legacy Content Removal. (2023). GameSpot. Retrieved from https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-and-modern-warfare-3-le/1100-6505573/
[5] Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Standalone Version Released, Reducing Storage Requirements. (2023). GameSpot. Retrieved from https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-standalone-version-re/1100-6505573/
- The standalone versions of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) and Modern Warfare 3 (2023) have been released, separating them from the CoD Headquarters (HQ) launcher, which was a significant storage hog, requiring hundreds of gigabytes of disk space.
- On PC, the standalone versions of MW2 and MW3 offer a streamlined user experience, making the overall handling of these games more straightforward.
- With the independent release of MW3 on Xbox, a new multiplayer achievement has been introduced for reaching level 55, enhancing replay value.
- Microsoft's Edge browser is an excellent gaming gadget, providing a seamless experience for visiting the official game websites and forums, staying updated on Call of Duty news and game releases, such as the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
