Re-Releases of the Original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Could Be On The Way

The gaming world might be gearing up for some exciting news, as re-releases of the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 seem to be in the works. A recent classification from the Australian Classification Board has sparked the speculation, with cross-gen editions of both titles appearing online. Here’s what we know so far about these potential remasters.

Details Emerge for MW2 and MW3 Re-Releases

A new glimmer of hope for fans of classic first-person shooters is emerging as Modern Warfare 2 (MW2) and Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) show signs of being re-released. These titles, originally released in 2009 and 2011 respectively, might be making a return soon. Thanks to ratings from the Australian Classification Board, we now know that cross-generation editions of these games have been submitted for review, sparking rumors that re-releases or remasters are on the horizon.

On April 3, the Board classified both games with an MA 15+ rating, confirming that the games would feature new cross-gen editions. The rating for MW2 specifically mentions a PS5 cross-gen edition, while MW3 is listed as cross-gen without referencing the PS5. While the exact details of the re-releases are still unclear, the games are confirmed to be from Activision Blizzard and are slated for release in 2025.

Importantly, these listings use the numbers “2” and “3,” distinguishing them from the modern Modern Warfare reboots that use Roman numerals. This points to the possibility that these are not just simple reboots, but rather re-releases of the beloved 2009 and 2011 titles for current-gen consoles.

The upcoming re-releases would follow in the footsteps of the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Remastered that came out in 2016, but it’s still unclear when these new versions will be officially announced. A report from XboxEra, backed by Insider Gaming, suggested that MW2 would join Xbox Game Pass between March and April of this year, but that hasn’t happened yet.

Although MW2’s campaign and multiplayer were remade separately, the two were never offered together as a full package. A remastered version of MW2’s campaign launched in 2020, but lacked the multiplayer aspect. In 2023, Modern Warfare III included remade maps from the original MW2 multiplayer, which could potentially be incorporated into the upcoming re-releases.

Alongside these potential re-releases, Black Ops 6 has recently dropped its Season 3 content update, bringing back the original Warzone map, Verdansk. Exciting times for Call of Duty fans!

What Undercode Says:

Undercode, a blog known for dissecting gaming news, finds the announcement of potential MW2 and MW3 re-releases intriguing. Given the success of previous remasters, such as Modern Warfare Remastered, these upcoming re-releases could spark both nostalgia and a new wave of interest in the iconic titles. The move to re-release MW2 and MW3 makes sense, considering that both games were pivotal in shaping the Call of Duty franchise and had a lasting impact on multiplayer gaming. Their remaster would attract both old fans who remember the thrill of their original releases, and new players who have only experienced the modern versions.

Furthermore, the connection to Modern Warfare III in 2023, which brought back MW2’s multiplayer maps, hints that the remastered games could be a continuation of a broader strategy to bring classic content into the new Call of Duty era. The blending of the old and the new might be a smart strategy to bridge the generational gap and tap into the nostalgia of long-time players while keeping the franchise fresh for newcomers.

The decision to release the games in 2025 gives Activision Blizzard enough time to polish the titles and ensure they live up to the standards set by modern shooters. The inclusion of MW2’s remade multiplayer maps in Modern Warfare III is a clear sign that the fanbase is ready to relive these iconic maps in updated form. The move could also align with the growing demand for remakes and remasters in the gaming industry, as seen with other high-profile titles.

As for the absence of an official announcement regarding the re-releases, it’s not unusual for major game publishers to keep such information under wraps until everything is finalized. With the information already out there, fans are left to speculate, and the excitement is building.

Fact Checker Results:

The Australian Classification Board has confirmed ratings for both MW2 and MW3 as cross-gen editions.
Both games are listed under Activision Blizzard with a 2025 release date.
The use of the numeric “2” and “3” indicates that these are likely re-releases of the original games from 2009 and 2011, rather than reboots.