A recent game update for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) and the Warzone battle royale mode has prompted several complaints from players. Here is an overview of the reported issues and Activision’s response:
“Update Requires Restart” Loop Frustrating Players
Many Call of Duty players have reported getting stuck in a loop where the game prompts them to install a new update, but then gets stuck on a “Update Requires Restart” message. Even after restarting, the prompt appears again in an endless loop.
This issue appears tied to a new bundle added to the in-game store called “The Ultimate Pack – Requires Restart” which pokes fun at the common update restart prompt. However, some players claim the bundle itself has introduced new bugs.
According to reports, affected players are unable to access Multiplayer or Warzone matchmaking modes. The only solution is to uninstall and reinstall the entire game, which is a major inconvenience. Understandably, affected gamers have voiced complaints across social channels.
Meme Bundle Intended as an In-Joke
Activision added “The Ultimate Pack – Requires Restart” bundle to poke fun at the frequent game update prompts. The $20 bundle includes a new SMG weapon blueprint, weapon charms based on the restart prompt, a calling card and emblem.
Given the reported bugs introduced with this meme bundle, the attempt at humor has backfired for some fans. However, the issues appear isolated rather than impacting the whole player base.
As of now, Activision has not disabled or removed the bonus pack from sale. Players who are not impacted may still purchase it if desired.
Potential Fixes Still in Development
Activision has acknowledged issues tied to the latest patch and new meme bundle. However, there is no official fix available yet.
The publisher advised affected users to perform a full reinstall of the game as a temporary solution. Understandably that has angered some fans who then need to re-download over 100GB of game files.
Given the high frequency of updates for live service games like Call of Duty, issues like this may crop up from time to time. Still, Activision urgently needs to resolve the “Requires Restart” loop bug which renders Multiplayer and Warzone unplayable for some fans following the latest patch.
Outlook Going Forward
With a likely fix still in development, affected players will need to wait a bit longer to enjoy Call of Duty multiplayer modes again. Or take the nuclear option of fully reinstalling the massive game.
It’s an unfortunate and disruptive issue, but unlikely to seriously impact Call of Duty’s strong player base in the long run. However the meme bundle attempt at humor definitely backfired based on initial reaction.
Activision will need to smooth things over with fans once the requires restart loop gets patched. And perhaps think twice about poking fun at common issues that genuinely annoy players.
Overall though, this looks like a temporary setback. Call of Duty will likely retain its loyal player base after the issues get ironed out. But the publisher may want to test bonus content more carefully going forward to avoid disrupting the game experience, even if intended humorously.
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