INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightActivisionUS game developer Activision is releasing Call of Duty: Warzone, its new battle royale game, on Tuesday.The move
was announced following a series of leaks during the game's development.Warzone will be free to play across gaming platforms including
Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PCs.In battle royale games multiple players can fight and explore a game together, but ultimately the goal is to
be the last player standing
Games like Fortnite and Apex Legends helped popularise the genre.Analysts say Call of Duty: Warzone will offer "something fresh" in the
gaming world, particularly as a growing number of people watch livestream gaming."What Call of Duty: Warzone brings to the table is a triple
threat since it's tied to a very popular franchise," said Doron Nir, chief executive of livestreaming services provider StreamElements
"There hasn't been a big new battle royale game in a while, and it's free-to-play."Activision released a battle royale game in 2018, but
Analysts say the industry has shifted more to a free to play model and this move by Activision should be concerning to some
competitors."This is forward-thinking and a step in the right direction," said Will Hershey chief executive of Round Hill Investments.Mr
Hershey said games like Apex Legends and PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) are most exposed because their players and players of the
Call of Duty franchise tend to be older
Fortnite, by comparison, has less gore and younger players
Image copyrightActivisionIn Warzone up to 150 players will be able to participate in a single battle
For context, Fortnite has 100 and Apex Legends allows 60.Players will compete in teams of three
Leaks during the development suggested a single game could have up to 200 players.It takes place in the city of Verdansk, which will be
familiar to players of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare released last year.The game's map is also large, with 300 points of interests.Gamers
will be able to save their positions and restart on different consoles allowing players to maintain their progression in the game.Players
will be able to earn in-game cash to buy upgrades, gear and tokens that can revive them or their teammates from death.Image
copyrightActivision BlizzardImage caption
The game takes place in the city of Verdansk, which will be familiar to
players of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (pictured)
Though Warzone will be a standalone game, purchasers of Call of Duty:
Modern Warfare will be able to transfer contents like skins - customized avatar looks - and equipment.While Call of Duty: Warzone is free,
analysts explain the company still intends to make money from it.Warzone is intended for mature players who typically have greater spending
power."Most game companies wouldn't invest in a game of this scope if profit wasn't a key driver," said Mr Nir
Players will be able to make in-game purchases to upgrade their characters or tools.There is also the potential to build interest in the
Call of Duty franchise among new players who may then buy the box edition.The timing of Warzone's release seems to be linked to leaks of
But the game could also benefit from the coronavirus outbreak and the global quarantines."Any kind of stay at home entertainment companies
has a potential to benefit from this," said Mr Hershey.Viewers of livestream gaming spiked in China in February as large parts of the
country were put under quarantine
