An event triggering another event, an instance that unlocks more instances, a level that needs to be finished before proceeding to the next — most games' story and campaign modes follow this system. And while a lot still enjoy the structured campaign/lore system, Treyarch has rid the upcoming Call of Duty release of the order which governed the campaign episodes in its previous Call of Duty titles.
Treyarch, a subsidiary of Activision and the developer behind the COD releases, announced that Call of Duty: Black Ops III, the fourth title under the Call of Duty franchise, will have unlocked campaign levels. With the restrictions lifted, the developer details how each player has the freedom to approach the campaign mode based on how they want to approach it and thus, creating a unique experience for each individual.
"The unlocking level system is an archaic mentality we've had since we did bedroom development back in the day - you do this, then go on to the next one," Jason Blundell, a campaign director for Black Ops III, explained to Eurogamer. "Consumers and game players in general are far more mature these days. There are so many things vying for our interests today. It's about, how do they want to consume it?"
This is akin to watching a movie on your own device as opposed to being seated within a cinema and be forced to endure that really cheesy moment within an action movie. There is no freedom to skip scenes when viewing from the big screen.
One downside, which many have raised, is that with unlocked levels, there's no longer any suspense or surprise within the campaign progression. However, as Blundell explained, it all boils down to how the individual wants to consume the content. Of course, it is still ideal to play everything in the proper sequence.
"The way the story is constructed, it's more than just the end moment," Blundell elaborated. "I'm sure there are many films and other media types where you could read the last page, or see the last minutes, but really you've got to experience all of the other stuff to truly enjoy it."
Nonetheless, a lot of people just do not have the time to burn on clearing one level. Besides, spoilers will be posted all over the internet anyway before most people can get halfway through the campaign.
Most love the idea of unlocked levels while others have expressed their distaste for it. Regardless of complaints, however, Activision will still proceed with the November 6 launch date for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
The trailer shown explains more details regarding the game.
