Upcoming Weapon Test in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Could Change Ranked Play Dynamics

Treyarch Studios and Sledgehammer Games, the developers behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, have announced a new initiative to assess several currently restricted weapons for their potential inclusion in the game's ranked play modes. This "Weapon Evaluation" test follows the successful reintroduction of previously restricted maps through a "Map Evaluation" process, which positively impacted the game's competitive play rotations.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, recognized globally for its vast multiplayer community, requires continuous updates and testing to adapt to the evolving strategies and preferences of its players. Developers employ live testing on servers to leverage the large player base in gathering data, ensuring that gameplay remains balanced and competitive.

The upcoming test will temporarily add five weapons to the ranked play arsenal, allowing players to test and provide feedback on these additions. The weapons under evaluation include three assault rifles—BP50, Holger 556, and MTZ-556—and two submachine guns—HRM-9 and RAM-9. Notably, some of these weapons, like the HRM-9 and RAM-9, are already popular in Warzone for their high performance.

This evaluation aims to see how these weapons perform within the structured environment of ranked play and whether they fit into the competitive meta without disrupting the balance. The outcome of this test will be crucial for deciding whether these weapons will be permanently available in the competitive ruleset of the Call of Duty League.

The community's reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Some players are excited about the possibility of incorporating weapons like the MTZ-556 into official ranked play, seeing it as a chance to refresh their strategies. Others remain skeptical, questioning whether changes influenced by the professional league will resonate with the broader player base, which includes a diverse range of skills and gaming motivations.