With the release of Call of Duty Black Ops 6 right around the corner, players are preparing themselves for the epic and fast-paced journey. For those who pre-ordered their journey has started, requiring them to learn new mechanics. However, to make the learning and transition process simpler, Treyarch has made various changes to the game.
The most critical change to the game is the simplification of the User Interface (UI), making it much more accessible and friendly to both veteran and new players alike. This doesn’t mean that features have been removed, rather, various features like the Gunsmith have been simplified to improve usability and depth.
Developers of Black Ops 6 Couldn’t Stand the Past Titles Interface
With the recent slump in the Call of Duty franchise with Modern Warfare 3, Treyarch really had various tough decisions to make. Not only the studio was required to rejuvenate the franchise, but it also had extra expectations from fans, given that the next title was under the Black Ops banner.
Black Ops 6 really needed to make some critical changes and it looks like it has. The game’s new approach to gameplay brings forth the feel of the original Call of Duty titles. But this time, with various new and innovative features like Omnimovement. In a recent interview, Treyarch’s Associate Creative Director Miles Leslie shared some insight about how few changes came to be.
Leslie shared that the first big thing the whole team wanted to change was the User Interface (UI). Due to the amount of options and modes available in the game, even veteran players sometimes get confused about what button to press.
The team’s main goal was to streamline the clutter and create a menu that was not only appealing, but also user-friendly, making it easier to navigate through. Leslie’s exact words were:
Call of Duty has been adding things to a point where it gets really complex. You dive into the game and you don’t know what button to press, even if you’re a core fan, let alone if you’re new.
This simplification of the UI has been greatly appreciated by the Closed Beta players. They find it very easy to navigate through, prompting them to try out various new modes.
The Rationale Behind the Various Changes
The decision to simplify can be hit or miss as it can rupture the authentic look and appeal of the game. But with Call of Duty, the gameplay is what makes the game so fun, the easier to get into a match the better. From the looks of it, Treyarch was aware of the situation.
As explained by Leslie, the thought process started with what the most important and beloved players need in the lobby. They then eliminated the unnecessary stuff from the main screen and put them under their respective sections.
Another important feature that changed is the Gunsmith menu. Veteran players love their customized weapons, but the menu and the complex math required to get the perfect gun were too much. So to streamline the process, the complex comparison menu is now removed. Players can now select attachments and see what pros they provide. Leslie’s exact words were:
It should be really meaty choices about how you want to play. We’ve stripped out a lot of the negatives. You can build the gun how you want. It’s more about which pro you want, versus which pros and cons you’re trying to compare and contrast. That’s the simplification.
In the end, while learning the new movement system might be a daunting task for some, players are enjoying the new UI and Gunsmith Menu changes. Additionally, they are hoping that Black Ops 6 will become the pivotal point, bringing the series back to its glorious days.
What is your favorite new mechanic in the upcoming game? Tell us in the comment section below.
