Call of Duty: Black Opsis one of the most beloved entries in the franchise for several reasons. It featured an impactful campaign that introducedcharacters like Frank Woodsand featured a twist that is still talked about to this day. Its version of Zombies made the mode mainstream, with maps like Kino Der Toten and Ascension instantly becoming iconic. As for multiplayer, the game featured one of the best weapon and map lineups the series has ever seen, ensuring that all three of its core experiences were a hit.
Alongside classicmaps like Nuketown, Summit, and Firing Range, multiplayer fans were treated to Wager Matches. These Wager Matches served as variants of Party Games like Sticks and Stones, One in the Chamber, and Gun Game, with the key difference being that players had to put some of their COD Points on the line. While some changes may be needed to justify the return of Wager Matches in a modern game, the system is worth bringing back, as it made Party Games significantly more intense.
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Why Wager Matches Would Need an Adjustment
Back in 2010, COD Points meant something entirely different from what they do now. InCall of Duty: Black Ops, COD Points were an in-game currency that could not be unlocked by spending real-world money, and they were used to purchase the game’s cosmetics. From weapon camos to calling cards, players were in constant need of COD Points, and they could be earned through natural play - or in bigger bunches through Wager Matches. By winning Wager Matches, players could takeCOD Pointsoff of other players, making in-game money to buy things like Gold weapon camos a lot faster.
In 2022, COD Points are the main form of microtransactions within theCall of Dutyseries. Players use COD Points to buy Battle Passes and purchase bundles from the in-game marketplace. While it could be interesting to see the new COD Points used in wager matches, as it would make things even more high stakes, this could be seen as actual gambling since players would be putting paid currency on the line. Still, there are other ways to give Wager Matches another try.
Potential Stand-Ins For COD Points in a New Wager Match System
If Wager Matches returned inCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2or another upcoming title, they could see players gambling with their cosmetics. Players could put their hard-earnedCalling Cardson the line, for example, choosing which Cards they put up for grabs. If they lose, they could need to unlock their lost Calling Cards again, though players in the Top 3 could keep their Cards while also getting their choice of the other Calling Cards that were put on the line. Emblems would be an equally viable option for a Wager match.
Weapon Blueprints are another valid choice, mainly because atrading mechanic has leaked forCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2already. If Activision and Infinity Ward are willing to let players trade their weapon blueprints with one another, it would not be too much of a leap to let them gamble with them via Wager matches. Players could put their blueprints on the line when entering into a Wager match, and at the end, participants could pick their blueprints. First place would keep their wagered item and could get a choice between all the others in the prize pool, with the pick order depending on placement in the match.
Operator skins are another possible Wager item, ensuring that there are many avenues that could be taken to bring Wager Matches back. While using COD Points again could prove controversial since gamers would essentially be putting real money on the line, betting already-unlocked items could be a good alternative. While there should always be a normalParty Gamesplaylist for those that want some casual fun, those looking to engage in some high stakes Wager Matches should not have to return to a largely unpopulatedCall of Dutytitle from 2010.
