Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2019 Core Systems Analysis

Call of Duty Modern Warfare is a first person shooter game with multiple game modes including multiplayer, campaign, and special ops.  The core systems loop of Modern Warfare looks something like this:

Running and Jumping Mechanics:

These two mechanics are very important to the player at the moment to moment level because the player must use these two mechanics to run towards and away from enemies.  Running and jumping are critical parts of the game’s core system because it allows players to accomplish the simplest goal of the game: survive.

Shoot and Aim Mechanics:

Shoot and Aim mechanics are just as vital to players at the moment to moment level as running and jumping mechanics.  Shoot and aim mechanics help players take out any enemies they see in their path, therefore helping them survive.  All four of these mechanics help the player accomplish the simple goal of survival.  

Secondary Systems in Call of Duty Modern Warfare:

Is this a secondary loop?

This is technically not a system loop but more of secondary goals that are important to the player after the main goal of survival.  While survival is a moment to moment goal of the player, the goals in the secondary system take longer to accomplish putting them on the minute to minute basis.

Killstreaks:

Killstreaks are an example of a minute to minute goal because they happen over a longer period of time.  A killstreak racking up multiple kills in a row without any deaths.  Players who build up long killstreaks are rewarded in game with items like air support or a UAV.   A killstreak adds interest to the gameplay beyond the core loop allowing the player to make more tactical decisions.

Score Points:

Scoring points in Call of Duty Modern Warfare can be considered more of a moment to moment goal but can also be considered a minute to minute goal.  Points are usually scored off of the number of kills achieved but can also be scored off of different objectives depending on the game mode.  Scoring points can be considered a secondary system because in the player’s mind it goes beyond the moment to moment goal of survival.

Control Hardpoints and Dominate Flags:

Hardpoints and Flags are another example of a minute to minute goal because although it is possible to score points from capturing them they are not the immediate goal of the player.  Hardpoints and Flags are only in select game modes but these modes add more complexity and decision making for the player because the games have more systems.