As the final season of Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone draws to a close, Activision has released one of the last major updates for both games.

In Season 4 Reloaded, Sledgehammer Games brought back the iconic SPAS-12 shotgun, now known as the Reclaimer 18. Although initially underwhelming, Season 6 introduced a new JAK Devastators conversion kit, allowing players to dual-wield the shotguns with an akimbo attachment. This turned the weapon into a powerhouse, dealing 180 damage and allowing a one-shot kill within a 3.8-meter range. Despite its limited range, players quickly began to exploit the Reclaimer 18 in Warzone and MW3 multiplayer.

In response, Raven Software issued a significant nerf, reducing the shotgun’s max damage, range, and near-to-mid damage, giving other close-range weapons a chance to dominate again.

Alongside the weapon adjustments, Sledgehammer Games made final tweaks to Modern Warfare 3‘s multiplayer playlists as Black Ops 6 approaches its October 25 release. Players can now access permanent modes like Small Map Mosh Pit, All the Shipments, and Get Higher, along with a variety of other classic game modes.

Here’s a breakdown of the full patch notes from the October 21 update.

MW3 October 21 Update Patch Notes

Global Changes

• Stability & Performance: Fixed specific server-side issues affecting performance and stability.
• Customization:
  • Adjusted colors for WZ Season 6 Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Camos.
  • Corrected display issues for the “Light Your Outer Fire” Emblem and “The Tinker” Calling Card.
  • Fixed icon errors for the Flit and Float Camo in Gunsmith.
  • Addressed incorrect animations for the “Revolution Rising” Calling Card.
  • Resolved a placeholder image issue for the “American Gothic” Blueprint in the Store.

Playlist Updates

As the live season for Modern Warfare III comes to a close, the following modes are now permanently available:

• Small Map Mosh Pit (+ Hardcore)
• All the Shipments! 24/7 (+ Hardcore)
• Team Gun Game
• Domination, Hardpoint, Team Deathmatch, Kill Confirmed
• Capture the Flag, One in the Chamber, Havoc, Minefield
• G3T_H1GH3R Mosh Pit (MW2 Maps Only)
• 10v10 Mosh Pit, War Mode, Cutthroat
• Blueprint Gunfight, Ground War, & Invasion

Additionally, players can now add these game modes to their Quick Play filters:

• Capture the Flag, Demolition, Cyber Attack (+ Hardcore), Escort, Defuse or Destroy, Gun Game, Infected, Vortex Mosh Pit.

UI and Bug Fixes

• Added a preview model for Enhanced Vision Goggles in the Loadout editor.
• Fixed issues with locked Loading Screens being marked as Favorites.
• Corrected the incorrect naming of the Tectonic Herald Light Barrel in Killcams.
• Adjusted spawn logic in Kill Confirmed to be more in line with Team Deathmatch.

Map Fixes

• Subbase: Resolved an exploit allowing players to exit the playable zone near the North Dock.

Weapon & Attachment Adjustments

• Shotguns: Reclaimer 18:
  • Reduced shot termination distance from 30.5m to 26.7m (-13%).
  • Reduced water shot range from 7.6m to 5.1m (-33%).
  • Increased ADS spread by 40%.
  • Reduced far-medium damage from 35 to 25 (-29%).
• Handguns: .50 GS (MWII):
  • Increased minimum damage from 55 to 68 (+24%).

Killstreak Adjustments

• Juggernaut Recon: Fixed an exploit that allowed Kills to give double Score in Free-for-All.
• Missile Drone: Adjusted flight path in Invasion mode to avoid building collisions.
• Gunship: Fixed an issue where the visual overlay persisted after being destroyed by Stormender.

Warzone October 21 Update Patch Notes

Customization Fixes

• Adjusted colors for WZ Season 6 Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Camos.
• Resolved display issues for the “Light Your Outer Fire” Emblem and “The Tinker” Calling Card.
• Corrected icon display for the Flit and Float Camo in Gunsmith.
• Fixed incorrect animations for the “Revolution Rising” Calling Card.
• Fixed placeholder image for the “American Gothic” Blueprint in the Store.

Weapon Changes

• Reclaimer 18 (Akimbo):
  • Reduced Max Damage Range from 3.81m to 2.54m.
  • Max Damage reduced from 45 to 35.
  • Near-Mid Damage reduced from 20 to 15.

As Black Ops 6 is just around the corner, this update serves as one of the final significant patches for Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone, setting the stage for the new era of Call of Duty. Stay tuned for any last-minute updates before the next title’s launch!

@dexerto

The release of the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Yasuke & Naoe collectible figure has been halted following widespread criticism over its depiction of a one-legged torii gate, a culturally significant structure tied to the history of Nagasaki, Japan.

On October 15, 2024, Purearts, the company behind the figure, issued an apology via a statement on X (formerly Twitter). The backlash centered around the use of the broken torii gate in the design, which closely resembles the famous one-legged torii at Nagasaki’s Sanno Shrine—a structure damaged in the atomic blast of August 9, 1945. The inclusion of this imagery without historical context struck many as inappropriate.

Purearts Apologizes for Insensitive Design

“We recently released a design that was insensitive,” Purearts acknowledged in their statement. “We appreciate the concerns brought to our attention and apologize for the harm this caused. After reviewing the feedback, we are actively reworking the Qlectors Assassin’s Creed Shadows Yasuke & Naoe figure. Please stay tuned for updates.”

Purearts’ statement came in response to growing outrage on social media. One critic shared, “This design feels disrespectful to the memory of those affected by the atomic bomb. The one-legged torii symbolizes resilience, not something to be commercialized.”

On the other hand, some fans supported the idea of redesigning the figure. “I’m glad they listened to the feedback. Assassin’s Creed has always been about respecting history, and this revision shows they’re staying true to that,” one user commented.

Historical Significance of the One-Legged Torii

The one-legged torii at Sanno Shrine in Nagasaki is one of the few structures that survived the atomic bomb explosion in 1945. It stands today as a symbol of both destruction and resilience, with a deeper meaning to the people of Japan. This historical context fueled the outrage, as many felt the torii’s use in the figure was insensitive and exploitative.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Backlash

The controversy sparked intense reactions across social media platforms, particularly in Japan. Many users expressed their disappointment, with one tweet reading, “You can’t use a symbol tied to such a tragic event without providing proper context.” Another tweet added, “I’ve always loved Assassin’s Creed, but this feels like a huge misstep.”

The broader gaming community also weighed in, with some expressing their hope that this incident would lead to more careful considerations in future designs. The hashtag #RespectHistory trended briefly as the issue gained traction.

Previous Criticism of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

This isn’t the first time that Assassin’s Creed Shadows has faced controversy. In July 2024, Ubisoft addressed complaints from the Japanese fanbase regarding historical inaccuracies within the game itself. Critics pointed out issues related to incorrect architectural styles, clan symbols, and seasonal representations.

Additionally, there have been ongoing discussions about the portrayal of Yasuke, one of the game’s main characters. Some fans believe that Ubisoft exaggerated his role in the Sengoku period and his relationship with Oda Nobunaga.

What’s Next for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

In light of the controversy, Purearts has confirmed that pre-orders for the Yasuke & Naoe figure have not been canceled. Customers can expect further details to be communicated soon via email.

Looking ahead, the incident may influence the future design and marketing strategy for Assassin’s Creed merchandise, pushing companies to approach cultural symbols with more sensitivity. As one fan commented, “Hopefully, this serves as a wake-up call for the entire gaming industry.”

Meanwhile, Ubisoft has announced that the release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been delayed until February 14, 2025, as developers continue to refine the game. Whether the controversy will impact the game’s sales or the franchise’s reputation remains to be seen.

@IGN

Capcom’s development team, Dev1, has proudly announced a remarkable sales milestone for the Resident Evil 4 Remake, solidifying the game’s place among 2023’s top releases. This modern take on the beloved 2005 classic not only reimagined its visuals but also expanded on the original story, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Recently, Capcom confirmed that the remake has surpassed an incredible 8 million copies sold.

Expansion Completes the Gold Edition

To close out 2023 on a high note, Capcom launched a highly anticipated expansion titled Separate Ways, featuring the campaign of Ada Wong. This addition, bundled in the Gold Edition, brought the full Resident Evil 4 Remake experience to completion.

Sales Milestone Confirmed on Social Media

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Capcom’s Dev1 team shared their excitement over this impressive achievement. The announcement highlighted the remake’s entry into Capcom’s list of top-selling titles, further cementing its success in the gaming community.

Capcom’s Top-Selling Games

Here’s how the Resident Evil 4 Remake stacks up against other best-selling titles from Capcom:

• Monster Hunter: World – 20.5 million
• Monster Hunter Rise – 15.4 million
• Resident Evil 2 Remake – 14.2 million
• Resident Evil 7 – 13.7 million
• Monster Hunter World: Iceborne – 13.4 million
• Resident Evil Village – 10.1 million
• Resident Evil 5 – 9.2 million
• Resident Evil 6 – 9.2 million
• Resident Evil 3 Remake – 9 million
• Devil May Cry 5 – 8.4 million
• Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak – 8.4 million
• Resident Evil 4 Remake – 8 million
• Street Fighter V – 7.6 million

800万人を超えるエージェントの皆さんへ
心からの感謝を込めて。

To you, the 8 million-plus agents,
thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

RE4開発チーム
RE4 Team pic.twitter.com/kf5JKzoq2J

— Capcom Dev 1 (@dev1_official) October 16, 2024

A Significant Increase in Sales Since July

Capcom had previously reported that Resident Evil 4 Remake had sold 7.6 million copies as of July 2023, making this recent milestone a testament to the game’s continued popularity. The growth in sales highlights the lasting impact and fanbase loyalty the Resident Evil series enjoys.

This achievement not only emphasizes Capcom’s ability to deliver high-quality remakes but also secures Resident Evil 4 Remake as a standout title in their extensive catalog of hits.

@GamesIndustry