Is MW3 The Summer Blockbuster Of Gaming?

Yes, I'm aware that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 comes out in the fall.

But I'm comparing it to what is commonly known as the "summer blockbuster" in movies. Think about it for a second. The summer blockbuster tends to have the following traits: massive mainstream appeal, flash over substance, a gigantic budget and a mammoth expected return, and hype that's through the roof. Now it seems like our industry has its own "summer blockbuster," and its name is Call of Duty.

But is that too insulting? Does it not give MW3 enough credit? There's almost no doubt that it'll be a great game, even if it probably won't be considered to be the best title of 2011. Many of the summer blockbusters have huge ticket sales but can't win over the critics. In fact, critics can slam films all they want; it doesn't seem to matter, as the sheeple that flock to the brainless movies obviously don't care what the reviewers say. And as we've said in the past, review scores for MW3 probably don't matter much.

In so many ways, gaming is starting to mirror the traits of Hollywood. Thankfully, most of the very popular games are still some of the best productions available, which is absolutely not the case when it comes to film. MW3 really is one of the very few games that might be immune to critic backlash. Even so, the fact remains: the "summer blockbuster" of video games is coming in a few weeks.

10/21/2011 Ben Dutka

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Comments (51 posts)

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Jawknee
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 9:38:40 PM
Reply

To be honest, even with all of BF3's beta flaws, it still looks like a better game. MW3 looks like an over budgeted, generic Hollyweird action film in the Michael Bay sense of the word.

So no. It's too harsh.

Last edited by Jawknee on 10/21/2011 9:39:45 PM

10 up, 8 down

Jawknee
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 10:12:22 PM

Oops, I mean it's NOT too harsh. Stupid iOS5 update has made my iPhone a bit funky when typing on PSX for some reason.

4 up, 2 down

BeezleDrop
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 12:37:27 AM

This is how I see the epic FPS battle. The BF3 Beta had its flaws and that's understandable, it was a Beta. I can guarantee most if not all of the bugs will be fixed by its launch in a few days. Everything I have read and seen about BF3 is an evolution of the series. Not the Genre.

Now, MW3 is an entirely different story. From what I have read and seen its the opposite. Many previews basically boil down to stating that MW3 feels like a "Glorified Map Pack" or even a step backward. The footage shown honestly doesn't look any different from MW2's offering in 09'. Which isn't a bad thing mind you, but this is the next installment in the franchise. Which should be bigger better, not more of the same.

The real winners in the Shooter battle of this fall are the Gamers. Which ever one you choose I hope you enjoy it but MW3 has done anything but even remotely impress me.

5 up, 1 down

bigrailer19
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 1:03:09 AM

Call of Duty has always been more of the same. I like more of the same, when I say that I mean I do enjoy the games. But CoD has never advanced. If people are just now seeing this, then yea the game is almost immune to any backlash. The games certainly have a strong following.

3 up, 0 down

Godslim
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 8:42:47 AM

i think they will both be great games i find mw more fast paced and b3 more tactical
i know i'll love them both tho mp wise they r both great games!

2 up, 0 down

sha4dowknight05
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 10:56:02 AM

you got that right micheal bay films have a lot odf explosions.

0 up, 0 down

jacobRadio
Monday, October 24, 2011 @ 10:01:48 AM

Hahahaha almost a shred of legitimacy until you said you have an iPhone. Talk about sheeple...

0 up, 1 down

Underdog15
Wednesday, October 26, 2011 @ 1:48:10 PM

I got an iPhone because it's the most useful interface for my personal use at work and for play on the road. I'm capable of seeing past the bull and making my own decisions.

People like you are the hidden sheeple... You make decisions BECAUSE you claim to not be a sheeple... but you are really just the type that goes along with the people that claim it's cool to NOT get whatever is the most popular.

You claim Jawk's a sheeple just because he has an iphone... without any knowledge of WHY he has one. You just assume he must be. Which means you obviously have influence from what others tell you to think.

Oh yes... you are SO cool... because you would never go with an accessible product, however inferior it may be. YOU are different. You would never get a *gasp* IPHONE.... no. not you.

It's a different kind of sheeple, but you are still a sheeple.

0 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 9:45:48 PM
Reply

Adolescents dreaming of playing yet another rehash of Call Of Duty, even calling it CoD 9 for short.

Big time celebrities and athletes waiting for their free copies.

People planning line-ups for Midnight launches on November 8.

Losers getting ready to hack the game to pieces.

Me not caring one iota.

Yup, summer blockbuster.

9 up, 7 down

H0TSHELLZ
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 9:26:48 AM

Whoa Whoa Whoa !!! Overbudget-glorified map pack? Wow, i feel the Hatered..... because how do you feel about all other sequels ? killzone-halo-gears do i need to go on ? Because every sequel is the same as the first a lil bit. The simple Fact is that "IF IT AINT BROKE.....DONT FIX IT" and i dont see COD going broke any time soon(lol i know what it really means). Because to me IMO i think COD is the best FPS Game Ever, And ive been playing since 88' (Anybody remember Operation Wolf?) The gameplay is second to none and is what i think a FPS should feel like when playing. Its Funny how people call this a KID game im not going to buy it, its a rehash, BUT imma spend some time showing how much i hate it by reading and commenting on every article that comes out about it. Im a Proud 31 yr old FPS Gamer.

5 up, 6 down

sha4dowknight05
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 10:57:47 AM

Let' face it call of duty is an over priced game.

Here modern warfare just became $30 since last year while it should of been 3 years ago, same with world at war but 2 years ago in stead fo 3.

Modern warfare 2 is still at $50 at least

black ops is full price still.

the map packs are over priced and the entire series is over priced.

7 up, 0 down

jacobRadio
Monday, October 24, 2011 @ 10:16:22 AM

@HOTSHELLZ

I completely agree. Everyone is going ape shit about how it's "more of the same" herp derp.

Here's a scenario for you: I'm a game company. I just put out a game that sold millions of copies. I want to make a sequel but the technology hasn't changed much since the last release. What do I do? I put out a game with a FEW new twists, a play on the old story line, add some new abilities and some new levels. What game company am I, and what game(s) am I releasing? Activision/MW3? Wrong. I'm Capcom, and it's 19-motherfucking-90 and I'm about to release Mega Man 3.

I said this on another forum and I'll say it here-- Every franchise has remakes of the game before it until a new console comes out. Let's go over a few, shall we?

Metal Gear
Sonic
Mega Man (Mega Man 3? LOL! Enjoy your MM2 MAP PACK!)
Battlefield (Yes your precious Battlefield has done this)
Final Fantasy
Crash Bandicoot
Gran Turismo
Spyro
Twisted Metal
Grand Theft Auto
Batman: Arkham ___ (Oh they just added Robin! SAME GAME!)
God of War
Soul Calibur
STREET FIGHTER!
Assassin's Creed
MADDEN AS FUCK!
EVERY SPORTS GAME EVER
Gears of War
Dead Rising

The list goes on, fellas... I'll bet every single one of you has played more than 2 of each of these in the series (where applicable). This is standard practice, and if I'm a game company and I can get away with polishing up last years game, giving it a new storyline and new maps, and sell MORE than last year? I'm going to do it.

BF3 Douche's need to get over their butthurt, quick. Same with COD fanboys. There are plenty of legitimate reasons to hate on both games, but you don't have to rage over it. The "Same crap!" argument is annoying at best.

0 up, 2 down

Dancemachine55
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 10:02:55 PM
Reply

No doubt it will sell big, and no doubt it will be enjoyable for a few weeks.

CoD has become something I find in Hollywood action films. Forgettable action sequences, big set pieces and average acting, or no acting at all.

First time through, it is fantastic. After that... loses its appeal.

Multiplayer is no fun. It rewards cheaters or young people with faster reflexes than me. No strategy, no depth, no variation. Run, shoot, die, respawn, repeat. No vehicles to have fun in, no interactive environment. Just you and a gun and a whole bunch of enemies. Brainless, mindless and perfect for high schoolers who care about nothing else.

I'm gonna go with Battlefield 3. More strategy, less whingy or abusive teens, more vehicles, more variety, better graphics, better physics, bigger maps, more emotion.

I miss the slower stealth levels of CoD 4. CoD 4 MW1 will always be my favourite CoD. It had variety and a good single player campaign.

Can't wait for January when all this crap blows over.

7 up, 2 down

Nas Is Like
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 10:22:51 PM
Reply

I definitely see what you mean Ben and I have to agree. I never thought of it that way.

But I've been keeping very updated with the game and honestly, I am very excited for it. I know it will keep me entertained for months like CoD 4 and MW 2 did. The third installment will arguably be the best one to date, but we have yet to see.

3 up, 1 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 10:32:11 PM
Reply

I've been thinking about this very thing, in a broader sense, but when it comes to CoD, I daresay that it is very much a summer blockbuster effort. But yes, it is giving credit where credit is due because, although it may be, as you say, "flash over substance", there is still effort put forth by IW/Treyarch/Sledgehammer or whatever studio happens to be furnishing the latest entry as well as the marketing budget of Activision. Honestly, it reeks of The Blockbuster Mentality (watch out for that one), but it is not alone in that respect...

I cannot, in good conscience, continue. :(
Peace.

0 up, 0 down

Nas Is Like
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 10:48:58 PM
Reply

For the record, that's another picture of Modern Warfare 2, Ben...

2 up, 0 down

kokoro
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 10:55:14 PM
Reply

Ben, did you coin the expression "twitch gaming"?

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 12:33:37 AM

Sort of.

1 up, 0 down

wenezz
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 10:56:12 PM
Reply

0 up, 4 down

Oyashiro
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 11:21:31 PM
Reply

Just like Michale Bay films! :D

1 up, 1 down

Godslim
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 8:38:10 AM

the single player is very much like a bay movie big explosions and stuff

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 11:21:55 PM
Reply

First of all, it DOES win over critics and second, saying CoD is flash over substance is sheer ignorance. So no, comparing it to movies is ridiculous. Gaming stands on its own two feet. You want to call it a blockbuster game? Fine. But comparing it to the nonsense Hollywood puts out? No.

6 up, 9 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 1:00:13 AM

I can very much see where Ben is comming from; while COD is still a great game, it still can be likened to your summer hollywood blockbuster film. Hollywood use's the same, tired cliches, COD use's the same, tired game engine. Hollywood use's a MASSIVE budget and - minus the explosions - don't really use it, in COD, they have a MASSIVE budget and still haven't upgraded the engine! They're more alike than you would first think..

6 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 7:13:31 AM

First of all, he never said it doesn't win over critics. He didnt say the game sucked, no need to defend it so much. And whether you want to believe it or not, they actually are similar

Summer blockbusters can either be extremely poor or pretty damn good but people will still flock to see it regardless. Same with CoD. whether the game was to score 10's across the board, or get ho hum scores like 3s and 4s, its still gonna sell like nobodies business.

Last edited by aaronisbla on 10/22/2011 7:16:39 AM

4 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 10:00:37 AM

No point in replying as you obviously want to interpret the article in your own way, just so you can say what you want to say.

4 up, 2 down

Alienange
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 3:28:56 PM

Interpret? I'm simply answering the question you're asking.

1 up, 2 down

Kevin555
Friday, October 21, 2011 @ 11:43:23 PM
Reply

Is MW3 the summer blockbuster of gaming?

Imo,

No.

3 up, 5 down

Underdog15
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 8:39:32 AM

Why not? Ben (and others) have given their reasons for why it is. No one has really given their thoughts on why it isn't. Maybe you have a well thought out reason for saying no?

2 up, 2 down

Kevin555
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 9:03:59 AM

Not really.

It's just that when i think of summer blockbusters, i don't think of MW3.

There's your reason.

Now grab a comfy chair because i want to hear your opinion now & make it snappy. ;)

3 up, 5 down

Underdog15
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 12:53:21 PM

I'm indifferent to the whole issue. That's why I wanted to hear the opposite side from what other people are saying. And since, at the time I posted, you were the only one with a differing opinion, I was wondering what you thought.

I personally feel Blockbuster hits in movies are often popular regardless of what critics say. But I also don't think every blockbuster is pure crap, either. (Which is why I feel Alienage doesn't really help the discussion, as he assumes all Hollywood summer blockbusters are crap and is therefore not comparable to games despite them both being in the field of entertainment, and therefore very comparable.)

Obviously, some summers, like last year, have terrible movies hit large, like Hot Tub Time Machine, but that isn't always the case.

So in that sense, I suppose it makes sense where Ben and others come from. CoD isn't terrible, like Hot Tub Time Machine is terrible, but it also isn't a gem like Heavy Rain or Uncharted, or like a movie like Forrest Gump or Shawshank Redemption. Theoretically, high quality games and movies like I just mentioned should do much better than many summer blockbusters or CoD, but they don't. That doesn't mean CoD and other blockbusters are crap, though, either.

So, in that sense, I like where Ben's article is going. But it's not like it's a topic of passion for me, or anything. Hence why I was hoping for a more thought out rationale from you.

Last edited by Underdog15 on 10/22/2011 12:54:48 PM

3 up, 1 down

AshT
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 12:38:26 AM
Reply

I think its insulting for summer blockbusters to be compared with COD, :), just kiddin', but u cant compare the two
Movies cost only 10 bucks and last only couple of hours so not many care about the reviews but games cost you 60 bucks and u play them for long time so reviews do matter, but i somewhat agree for COD though

1 up, 0 down

Dante399
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 1:15:22 AM
Reply

I'm sorry guys I have to admit that I fell in love with this game since the very first title on PC back in 2003. I played it when it first came out and I was an instant fan. Of course I played MOH but this was far better. I've played and enjoyed playing all CoD games and I'm sure I'll enjoy the coming installment. Call it a personal preference yet many many many people feel the same. I haven't played BF yet and I'm sure it could be a good game but CoD reached me first and I don't want to play many shooters.

5 up, 2 down

Lawless SXE
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 2:42:55 AM

Don't be sorry for that. To each their own.

7 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 7:12:36 AM
Reply

Very good article, you bring up points that some CoD fans may not want to admit, but they are pretty similar. In fact, someone a few posts above already highly disagrees with you lol

1 up, 0 down

Stang
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 9:11:26 AM
Reply

MW3 ? Blockbuster ? Hell Yes.

I like that Call of Duty evolves and doesn't make huge radical changes.

Its like sliding into a pair of comfortable shoes.

4 up, 2 down

Underdog15
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 12:56:37 PM

I agree with you. However, I feel it would be more worth my money if they were released at half the price as additions... not completely separate titles. Sometimes, their map packs are re-releases of maps from previous CoD's... seems to me, if you own that older CoD, you should already own the map.

Know what I mean?

2 up, 0 down

mk ultra
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 10:11:28 AM
Reply

All the hype for it has started feeling like a "summer blockbuster" for the last couple installments, i agree with that.

Like some have said above me, i'm not looking for a complete overhaul of the game. I would love a new game engine, but what COD does well i think it really does well. No other game has come closer to the feeling of actually firing a weapon IMO and thats a major gripe i have with many FPS. If the guns aren't fun to fire, or they look or sound unrealistic then the core gameplay doesn't interest me. I look at COD almost like a sports game now. I don't want them screwing with what works and drastically changing the game every year, nor am i expecting that different of an experience. I just want the gameplay more polished and new rosters, or in this case new maps. Until they upgrade the engine i think thats all i can ask for.

sorry that rant was a little off topic. The short answer yes, but i think it's comparing apples to oranges.

Last edited by mk ultra on 10/22/2011 10:16:35 AM

0 up, 0 down

sha4dowknight05
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 10:58:05 AM
Reply

This will beat the black ops record for sure.

1 up, 1 down

Nas Is Like
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 12:24:18 PM

I doubt it, personally. Black Ops shattered all kinds of records.

3 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 1:54:09 PM

Same was said about Blops not breaking MW2's records and look how that turned out.

Never doubt the dedicated CoD drone.

1 up, 0 down

Nas Is Like
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 3:11:28 PM

Only reason I doubt it is because Black Ops pulled profits that a large majority in history of video games never did. That's an extremely high milestone that is arguably impossible to pass for Modern Warfare 3.

2 up, 2 down

aaronisbla
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 3:56:58 PM

as much as i didnt like black ops, you're underestimating this series if you dont think it will shatter black ops records

Last edited by aaronisbla on 10/22/2011 3:57:08 PM

1 up, 1 down

bigrailer19
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 5:22:01 PM

All CoD is doing is gaining more and more fans every year. MW3 has as good a chance of beating Black Ops, as black ops did MW2. I'll admit the games are more of the se every year, but that won't stop me from buying it, I enjoy the games. There's probably a lot of others that feel the same, n like I said every year that goes by is a chance for more potential buyers.

1 up, 1 down

Jutter
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 1:16:02 PM
Reply

Call of Duty is no longer a great game. I really enjoyed CoD4 and WaW and I know I should just look for minor refinements from entry to entry at this point but none of what they changed in MW2 and Black Ops seemed well done. I would be more excited if they came out with a CoD4 re-release without stopping power, martyrdom and juggernaut than MW3. Last time I was actually excited for a CoD release was MW2 and it disappointed me.

1 up, 3 down

Kingharris
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 2:13:51 PM
Reply

The only blockbusters Acitivision will be releasing is the $1 Billion dollars the money will be shipped to them on.

0 up, 0 down

Kingharris
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 2:13:53 PM
Reply

The only blockbusters Acitivision will be releasing is the $1 Billion dollars the money will be shipped to them on.

0 up, 0 down

DVE2k
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 2:28:52 PM
Reply

The difference is speed between BF3 and MW3, if MW3 would fun 30fps like BF3 it would look as good or maybe betta. I don't see why they just don't run BF3 at 60 fps. It's not like there's a such thing as real HD gaming yet etc.. In terms of sales everyone should know that MW3 is gonna sell like crack. Call of Duty has its loyal fan base as well as Battlefield has theirs. In the End i wish BF3 outsell MW3, but everyone is gonna get MW3 weather they like it or not. IF you like it you will play it with your friends, and if you dont like it your friens will play it with their friends with out you xD lol!

0 up, 0 down

aaronisbla
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 4:02:39 PM

Because there's so much more going on with the Frostbite 2 engine when compared to the engine on CoD thats been used for a long time now. and the consoles currently aren't up to snuff for it to run at 60fps with all thats going on, like destruction at a good level.

CoD runs at 60fps, but its pretty much the same on a graphical level year after year. 60fps is good, but 30fps isnt too harsh on the eyes either, some of the best looking games this gen run at 30fps

Also, i dont think CoD would look better than bf3 if it ran at 30fps, the engine would need an overhaul for that to happen. If it would look better, they'd have already done it

Last edited by aaronisbla on 10/22/2011 4:02:59 PM

2 up, 0 down

mk ultra
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 6:00:01 PM

30fps doesn't look bad at all. But i can definitely tell the difference between 30fps and 60fps and in a competitive shooter i'll take a higher framerate before better graphics and destruction.

1 up, 1 down

Deano34249
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 4:25:37 PM
Reply

COD is just like Madden, more of the same every single year; madden has been using the same engine for almost a decade and i bet mw3 will be no different than its predecessor.

2 up, 3 down

maxpontiac
Saturday, October 22, 2011 @ 7:51:12 PM
Reply

MW3 is guaranteed to do two things..

1 - Sell around 10 million copies.
2 - Receive an average score around 9.0.

Who wouldn't want that?

2 up, 3 down

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