The changes will be rolled out in phases, with the first major update set to release alongside the launch of Season 5 Reloaded on August 21st. This update will reorganize game files, separate Call of Duty: Warzone from the default download for annual titles, and introduce new texture streaming technology. These changes will help reduce file and download sizes, resulting in a smaller overall footprint for Call of Duty on players’ devices.
To reward players for their patience during these updates, Activision is gifting in-game consumables to all players. These rewards will be delivered when players first log into Call of Duty after the Season 5 Reloaded update.
One of the key changes being implemented is the decoupling of the download of Call of Duty: Warzone from other titles. This means that when players purchase an annual title, they will only download the files for that specific game by default. On the free-to-play side, players have the option to “opt-in” and download Call of Duty: Warzone separately if they choose to.
Texture streaming technology is also being expanded to further reduce file and download sizes. This technology allows less frequently used content to be streamed from a cache, eliminating the need to download it directly to the device’s storage. While this may result in older content briefly appearing at a lower quality until fully loaded, players will have the option to choose their preferred streaming settings.
In terms of downloads, players can expect a large initial download to pave the way for the upcoming updates. However, this initial download will not permanently add to the storage space that Call of Duty takes up on their devices. The subsequent updates will be split into multiple downloads for PlayStation 5 players due to differences in file organization, while players on other platforms will receive the entire update in a single download.
To show appreciation for the community’s support, Activision is offering rewards in exchange for the user interface downloads. These rewards include Battle Token Tier Skips and 2XP Tokens, which will be delivered when players first log into Call of Duty after the Season 5 Reloaded update.
Players will also have the opportunity to experience the new features and improvements through the Black Ops 6 open beta, starting on August 30th. The beta will showcase the new Omnimovement system in a variety of maps and game modes. Existing players with the Season 5.5 update installed will automatically receive the beta as an update, while new or returning players can download it from their platform storefront.
The new user interface for Call of Duty will be cleaner and more streamlined. It will feature a landing page where top content will be visible on one page without the need to scroll. The landing page will focus on games, giving players direct access to their desired titles. The user interface will evolve over several initial stages, with a transition period before the launch of Black Ops 6.
Black Ops 6 itself will be a smaller download than Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III at launch, thanks to the optimizations and updates being implemented. The file sizes for Black Ops 6 will be shared closer to the release date in October.
Overall, these changes and updates aim to provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience for Call of Duty players. With a more streamlined user interface, smaller downloads, and greater control over their gaming library, players can look forward to diving into the action of Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone with ease.
