' Call of Duty : Warzone' enthusiasts recently expressed discomfort about the supposed imbalance caused by the Super Shotgun in the Doom Bundle. Many believe this is another instance of a 'pay to win' scenario surfacing in the game.
In its tenure, 'Call of Duty' has dabbled in different bundle and character skin options, not unlike other titles in the battle royale genre. However, the game's intensification arrived with 'Warzone'.
While the main purpose of bundles should not be to provide an unfair advantage, but rather to enhance the in-game experience, this has not always been the scenario. There have been a multitude of times when 'pay to win' weapons and add-ons have appeared in Warzone, causing dismay amongst the game’s community.
Now, with the newly launched Doom bundle – most notably featuring the iconic Super Shotgun – disgruntled players are voicing their complaints.
The Backlash Over the Doom Bundle
The recently released Doom bundle, and particularly the Super Shotgun, has been widely criticised as 'broken' and 'pay to win'. Disturbed players are enthusiastically calling on the game developers to initiate instant amendments.
These players argue this bundle has had a significantly negative effect on the game. One player noted that buying the bundle was tantamount to endorsing such bad practices. They contended that while buffs and nerfs usually coincide with bundle sales, the current situation with the Super Shotgun seems irreparable, creating a disappointing game experience.
'What is this pay to win thing?' expostulated a player. 'It is quite a shady move to upset your game’s balance just to promote the sales of a bundle', added one more player.
The Power of Chainsaw
An additional concern cited by these unhappy players is the Chainsaw, which is another aspect of the Doom bundle. They believe this weapon is another example of a 'broken' element that is ruining the battle experience.
Some players have gone as far as announcing an intended break from 'Warzone' until modifications are made to the Super Shotgun bundle and the Lockwood 300 as a whole.
Nevertheless, this wish might be unrealistic. With the anticipation of Modern Warfare 3, significant changes to 'Warzone' may not be on the cards until the new game is launched.
Unmoving Stance of Developers
Although the repeated appeals from players to game developers have been fervent, the developers seem stalled and indecisive on the issue. Their seeming stoicism amidst the tumult the Doom bundle has raised has angered some players even more.
One player was heard stating that they feel cheated out of their hard-earned money and time. Many are likening the unresponsive stance to corporate greed, suggesting the developers' decision to continue profiting from these bundles is more important to them than maintaining a balanced gaming environment.
Meanwhile, 'Warzone' continues to be a popular destination for gamers. The excitement it provides and the feeling of community sustained by its vast pool of players continue to draw new and returning players alike.
But one cannot help but wonder - will the developers continue to turn a deaf ear to the community's outspoken criticism? Or will they see the advantage in having an open dialog with their stakeholders, the players? Only time will tell.
The release of the new game remains on the horizon, and it's clear that many players will be watching closely to see what the developers' next steps will be. And while 'Warzone' continues to thrive, it also continues to face its share of criticisms, which seem to be growing louder and more numerous with time.
It's clear that the Super Shotgun has made quite a splash - though not exactly the kind the developers were likely hoping for.
The wait and see game continues - will the developers give the players what they want, or will they continue on their current path of perceived indifference towards the community's voice?
Perhaps one day, gamers will look back on the Super Shotgun controversy and see it as nothing more than a hiccup in an otherwise well-received and popular game franchise.
For now, it's a tender spot for 'Call of Duty: Warzone' fans, who are hoping that game balance will eventually triumph over a business-driven 'pay to win' approach.