After the launch of Black Ops 6, Call of Duty players can expect smaller game installs. Activision plans to overhaul the Call of Duty launcher to allow players to download Warzone separately from the premium games, resulting in smaller initial downloads. The user interface is also receiving a significant update to streamline access to games, with top content displayed on a single page without the need for scrolling. These changes are set to go live on August 21 as part of the Season 5 Reloaded update.
One of the key changes coming with the Season 5 Reloaded update is the decoupling of Call of Duty: Warzone from other titles. When purchasing an annual game, players will only download the files for that specific title by default. This move aims to give players more control over their downloads and streamline the update process for individual games.
In addition to separating game downloads, the Season 5 Reloaded update will introduce expanded texture streaming features. Content that is less frequently used by players will be cycled to a streaming cache, eliminating the need for direct downloads to the device’s storage. This change allows for more content to be included in the cache, with older content potentially appearing at a lower quality until fully loaded. Players will have the option to choose between optimized visuals with higher bandwidth consumption or minimal visuals with lower bandwidth requirements.
While the initial download may be substantial, Activision assures players that the updates are part of a restructuring effort to prepare for the arrival of Black Ops 6. The goal is to enhance the overall gaming experience without increasing the install size. The new interface is scheduled for rollout in mid-October, with file optimizations expected to reduce Call of Duty’s overall footprint.
PlayStation 5 players will undergo a slightly different download process, requiring four separate downloads due to differences in file organization. This includes downloads at the console level, within the Call of Duty launcher, with Modern Warfare 3, and within Warzone. On the other hand, players on other platforms can expect a single comprehensive update.
Recognizing the potential inconvenience of these updates, the developers are offering a free community pack to express gratitude for players’ patience. Logging in after the Season 5 Reloaded update will grant players a community pack containing 10 1-hour double player XP tokens, 10 1-hour double weapon XP tokens, and 10 battle pass token tier skips. While these rewards may not offset the large downloads required for the updates, they aim to alleviate some of the frustration along the way.
Call of Duty players can look forward to a more streamlined and optimized experience with the launch of Black Ops 6 and beyond. The upcoming updates focus on reducing install sizes, improving texture streaming, and enhancing the user interface to provide a better overall gaming experience. While initial downloads may be larger, the long-term benefits are designed to create a more efficient and enjoyable gameplay environment for all players.
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